The contents are as follows. (i) 'Introduction to the history of Man', undated. Folio 1.) Monboddo number 70. (ii) 'A sketch of the history of Man', written as a New Year's gift to an unnamed correspondent, undated. (Folio 3.) Monboddo number 71. (iii) 'Of the similarity of language, religion and customs in different nations'. (Folio 13.) A discussion of the interrelationships of different peoples and the movement of population. The paper is undated, but a note added on folio 36 refers to a magazine published in 1786. Monboddo number 275. (iv) 'History of government', undated. (Folio 76.) An outline, from the earliest times to the 18th century. Monboddo number 69. (v) 'Of the philosophy of government', 1779. (Folio 106.) Part of a paper concerning Roman government and corruption in society. Monboddo number 160.