Skip to main content

Secondary sourceNewspaper articleDecember 1893

State Interference in Social Affairs

Joseph Shield Nicholson · December 1893

An 1893 magazine article discussing exceptions to laissez-faire economics first noted by Adam Smith.

An 1893 article citing Smith's own recognised exceptions to laissez-faire economics as part of a wider argument.

Ask Adam Smith about this sourceView the original(opens in new tab)
Full text (Wikisource)

About this source

What it is

This is an article from Popular Science Monthly, December 1893, written by Joseph Shield Nicholson, Professor of Political Economy at the University of Edinburgh. It discusses the limits of state interference in the economy.

Why it matters

The article argues that even older economists like Adam Smith recognised exceptions to the idea that governments should stay out of the economy. It shows how Smith's ideas continued to shape economic debate more than a century after he wrote them.

Look closer

  • Why might a professor writing in 1893 still refer back to Adam Smith's ideas?
  • What exceptions does the article say Smith himself recognised, and why might those matter?
  • How does this article use Smith's reputation to support its own argument?

This newspaper article is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Adam Smith on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

More Adam Smith sources

Meet the AI Adam Smith →
Title page of An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, by Adam Smith, LL.D. and F.R.S., formerly Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Glasgow. In two volumes, Vol. I. London, printed for W. Strahan and T. Cadell, in the Strand, MDCCLXXVI.Book

Primary source

The Wealth of Nations

Adam Smith · 1776

Scan of the title page of the 1759 first edition of The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith, Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Glasgow. Centered ornament below. Imprint reads London: Printed for A. Millar, in the Strand, and A. Kincaid and J. Bell, in Edinburgh, MDCCLIX.Book

Primary source

The Theory of Moral Sentiments

Adam Smith · 1759

Black and white engraving of a standing man in profile wearing a tricorn hat, powdered wig, and long buttoned coat, holding a cane, beside a round table with books and an inkstand. Bookshelves and a checkered floor are behind him. Caption below reads 'The Author of the Wealth of Nations'. Signed 'RAY' and dated 1790 at lower left.Painting

Primary source

Adam Smith, 1790

John Kay · 1790

Oil painting of a man in a powdered white wig and dark high-collared coat with blue-tinged shading, turned to the left, against a dark brown background. He has a slight closed-mouth expression.Painting

Secondary source

The Muir Portrait of Adam Smith

Unknown · c. 1790

Evening photo of Panmure House, a stone building with lit windows and a glass-fronted entrance at street level, with a sign reading Adam Smith's Panmure House. Dusk sky, paved street in foreground.Artifact

Primary source

Panmure House

1691-1693 (built); Smith resided 1778-1790

Ready when you are

Start chatting with Adam Smith now.

20 messages free · No credit card · Available in 50+ languages.

Trial Humy for freeGet a quote for institutions