Meaning: The quote you provided is from Nassau William Senior, an influential economist of the 19th century. In this quote, Senior expresses his intention to address the slow progress of political economy and to suggest ways to accelerate its advancement. He also indicates that the following treatise will provide insight into the nature of political economy.

Nassau William Senior was a prominent figure in the field of political economy during the 19th century. He was known for his contributions to economic theory and his influence on the development of the discipline. Senior was a proponent of classical economics and was associated with the Ricardian School, which was influenced by the ideas of David Ricardo and other classical economists.

In the quote, Senior's reference to the slow progress of political economy reflects the historical context in which he was writing. During the 19th century, the field of economics was still in the process of establishing itself as a distinct and systematic discipline. The study of political economy was evolving, and economists were grappling with fundamental questions about the nature of economic relationships, the role of government in the economy, and the mechanisms of wealth creation and distribution.

Senior's concern about the slow progress of political economy may stem from the challenges and debates that characterized the early development of the discipline. The diversity of opinions and the complexity of economic phenomena made it difficult to achieve consensus on many issues. Additionally, the practical application of economic principles to public policy and social reform was a subject of ongoing debate and experimentation.

In the quote, Senior also expresses his desire to suggest means by which the advancement of political economy may be accelerated. This reflects his proactive approach to addressing the challenges facing the discipline. Senior was known for his efforts to systematize and advance economic theory, and he sought to contribute to the development of a more rigorous and comprehensive understanding of economic phenomena.

The reference to the nature of the following treatise indicates that Senior's remarks are intended to provide a framework for understanding the content and purpose of his work. This suggests that the treatise will offer insights into the fundamental principles and methods of political economy, as well as Senior's perspective on the direction in which the discipline should evolve.

Overall, the quote from Nassau William Senior captures his commitment to advancing the study of political economy and his recognition of the challenges and opportunities facing the discipline during his time. It reflects his role as a leading figure in the development of economic thought and his efforts to shape the trajectory of economic inquiry and analysis.