Around the middle of the eighteenth century, a group of English gentlemen headed by the Earl of Derby became interested in historical and geographical exploration. They commissioned one of their number to go to China in search of information not generally known in England at that time. This man, who must have been a fine scholar, linguist, and scientist, became accepted in high Chinese society, and he reported his findings weekly to his sponsors back home. He also addressed some additional personal letters to the Earl of Derby himself. Unto Thee I Grant the Economy of Life is a collection of the writings and information communicated to the Earl of Derby.