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38 Benjamin Lay's mind was not exclusively directed to the subject of the trade in human flesh, and the shocking train of evils by which it was attended; it observed, and investigated other objects connected with the interests of civil society and the welfare of man. His attention was directed to a consideration of the nature and propriety of the then existing punishments, for offences against the criminal laws. The ideas which, within thirty years, have so extensively prevailed on this subject, and which have led to the melioration of the penal code of Pennsylvania, (a code which is now admired and imitated by some of our sister states, and the adoption of whose principles is about to be attempted by European nations,) were suggested by