The outline of this work was written in the year 1858, and was then laid aside, as, at that time, the Bank Act did not appear to receive the attention which a subject of such importance deserved from the Public. The pamphlet of M. Pereire, published in Paris, in December, 1864, entitled, "La Banque de France, et l’Organisation du Credit en France", having revived some attention to the subject, and as the whole question of the Bank Charter Act of 1844 will, probably, be brought before a new Parliament next year, I have been induced to fill up and complete my original outline, with additions, showing wherein I differ with M. Pereire in some of his reasoning and conclusions ; though, in the main principle we agree. My only object being to see our National Bank and Credit placed on a safe basis, and conducted on sound and intelligible principles, I am desirous of correcting my own views on the subject by the opinions of the most eminent and practical men in all countries; and, for this object, I should give my best attention to any remarks with which they may favor me, through my Publishers. But, however imperfectly the principles here laid clown may be explained, and however feebly i supported, I have a very strong conviction that, sooner or later, these principles will be carried out by the Bank of England, and also by the Bank of France.