Adam Smith, the celebrated author of 'An Inquiry into the Nature and causes of the Wealth of Nations', was born in the town of Kirkaldy, on the 5th of June 1723. His father, at an early period of life, practiced as a writer to the signet in Edinburgh, and officiated as private secretary to the Earl of London, during the time his Lordship was principal secretary of state in Scotland, and keeper of the great seal; but afterwards settled at Kirkaldy, where, for some time before his death, he held the office of comptroller of the customs. He died a few months before the birth of his son.