Diary of John Quincy Adams, volume 2
1788-06-02
Pickman returned this day from Salem, where he has been for ten days past.
I began to read Wood's Institutes;1 a book written upon a similar plan, to that of Blackstone; but much inferior in the execution.
I took a long walk this evening alone, musing and contemplating upon a subject which at this time engrosses all my attention.
Thomas Wood, An Institute of the Laws of England; Or, The Laws of England in Their
Natural Order, According to Common Use..., London, 1720.