Acts and Laws, Passed by the General Court of Massachusetts; Begun and Held at Boston, in the County of Suffolk, on Wednesday the Twenty-fifth day of May, A.D. 1785; and from thence Continued, by Adjournments, to Wednesday the first Day of February, 1786.
Boston: Printed by Adams and Nourse, 1786. [344]-434, [1] pp. Folio. Disbound. First edition. Removed from a large volume, trimmed, else about very good, faint soiling, mostly prominent on the first and last leaves, sharp impressions. Evans 19778. ESTC W16749. See Pursell: Early Stationary Steam Engines in America, p.5. Item #43974
Among the laws was one for giving "Paul Revere and John Noyes, the exclusive privilege of erecting a Steam-Engine, for manufacturing Iron" as well as an "Act for the punishment of fornication" for which men were to be fined up to five pounds, and if they did not pay, were to be whipped up to ten lashes; women only had to pay up to three pounds, and jail was substituted for whipping. Other acts included enforcing the speedy payment of rates and taxes, to Prevent Gaming for Money, or other Property; for regulating fences; for regulating marriage and divorce; for regulating and governing the Militia; and much more.
Price: $175.00