The freedom of speech and writing upon public affairs considered : with an historical view of the Roman imperial laws against libels, as violations of majesty, or lesser offences : the nature and use of torture among the Romans and modern Europeans : the bringing of the rack into the Tower, where it remains, for a beginning of civil laws in England : the different treatment of libels there : the origin, legal and assumed jurisdiction, severities, subservience to arbitrary power, and abolition of the Court of Star-chamber, and of trial by juries : with observations on the proper use of the liberty of the press, and its abuses, particularly of late with respect to the colonies : and a brief state of their origin and political nature, collected from various acts of princes and parliaments.