MALTHUS, Thomas Robert (1766-1834). An Essay on the Principle of Population; or, A view of its past and present effects on human happiness, London: T. Bensley for J. Johnson, 1803. 4° (255 x 200mm.). (Some light spotting to title and first few leaves). Contemporary calf-backed boards. (Boards rubbed). Second edition of Malthus's famous Essay, altered from the first in order to ameliorate his view that the means of production of food cannot increase at the same rate as the growth in population, thus acting as a natural 'check' on any unsustainable increase in numbers. Kress B4701; Goldsmiths' 18640.