Copy of a mathematical demonstration of formula for calculating customs duty <ref target="/catalogue/record/MINT00291">(Mint 19/3/444)</ref> Isaac Newton c. 298 words The Newton Project Oxford 2017 Newton Project, University of Oxford

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 1703-4, c. 298 words. Formula for calculating customs duty, followed by notes on the measurements of Herod's temple and a series of trigonometrical calculations [MINT 19/3/444] MINT 19/3/441, National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, UK UKSurreyKew, RichmondNational Archives MINT 19/3/441 1703-4 England English Holograph MintEconomic Theory and Legislation Catalogue information compiled by Rob Iliffe, Peter Spargo & John Young Catalogue exported to teiHeader by Michael Hawkins Transcribed by Will Scott
441

Because Merchants pretend that they are not to be taxed, not for the Duty they pay to the King, but only fore the Excess of the value of their Goods above the Duty: for doing this following Probleme is proposed.

Probleme.

To lay a Duty at any assigned Rate upon the Excess of the Value of any parcel of Goods above the Duty.

Solution.

By the rule of fals Position, assume any Excess at pleasure & the Rate will give the Duty upon it, & the Duty added to the Excess will compose the value of the Goods in this case. And by the Golden Rule: As this Value is to the Duty, so is the Value of any parcel of goods to the Duty upon them.

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Example 1

If the rate be 9 per cent, & the Excess assumed be 100li, the Duty will be 9li & the value of the goods 109li. And by the Golden Rule, As 109 to 9, so is the Value of any parcel of Goods to the Duty upon them.

Example 2.

If the rate be 20 per cent, & the Excess assumed be 100li the Duty will be 20li & that Value of the Goods 120li. And by the Golden Rule, As 120 to 20, so is the value of any parcel of goods to the Duty upon them.

NB. Here by the value of the Goods is to be understood the clear value wchhich remains after the charges of warehouse room, & all other charges except the Duty, are subducted.

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Demonstration.

For as the Value of the goods is to the Duty isupon them in any one case, so is the Value of the goods to the Duty upon them in all other cases.