Events from 1776

Smallpox epidemic affects Revolutionary War - soldiers refuse reenlistment, Washington restricts Boston access, Adams family inoculated

Adam Smith publishes Wealth of Nations using mathematical analysis - 'invisible hand' as mathematical self-regulation

Nine confirmed Freemasons among 55 Constitutional Convention delegates - Masonic principles influence founding documents

Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations criticizes limited liability - argues unlimited liability ensures prudent management

Adam Weishaupt founds Illuminati on Walpurgisnacht - order to promote rationalism and destroy 'superstition' and 'despotism'

Declaration of Independence - natural rights philosophy becomes revolutionary legal document, government by consent