The collection of George Peabody papers in the Essex Institute of Salem, Massachusetts, illustrates the value of private business correspondence in the study of economic history. Writers on the history of American commerce have complained of the lack of available business records, and students of capital movements have looked for more detailed information. The papers of George Peabody, merchant and financier, include material both on the importation of goods to the United States and on long-term investments during the period from 1830 to 1857.

The publication of an 800-page volume on the business man from ancient times to the New Deal is an event of considerable importance to those interested in the history of business. A comprehensive survey of the historical experience and development of business has long been needed. Such a volume would have a double meaning: it could both point out what is known of business in the past and, by the character of what it contains and does not contain, indicate where further study should be made.

The Business Historical Society has recently received from the First National Bank of Boston several volumes of records of the Brighton Market Bank, later the National Market Bank of Brighton. The gift includes several books recording names of stockholders and transfers of stock, a book giving the minutes of stockholders' meetings, and a volume of directors' minutes. The directors' minute book begins with 1854 and ends in 1891.