the institute standard course of study in "commercial law" is not intended to make lawyers, but simply to impart to bankers sufficient knowledge of law to enable them to act in accordance with established legal principles, and refer doubtful questions to a lawyer. it is not usurping the functions of a lawyer for a banker to know his legal rights and responsibilities. the banker who does not appreciate the importance of this knowledge, eventually learns from experience, sad or otherwise, that he has neglected an important part of the training necessary to carry on his business with safety and confidence. this text-book is based on the splendid work, originally prepared for the institute, by samuel williston, weld professor of law in harvard law school. to this original matter, however, much new material has been added, cases have been cited, and new chapters on master and servant, estates and trusts, bills and notes, and torts and crimes added. the work of preparing "commercial law" has been done jointly by richard d. currier, president of the new jersey law school, and richard w. hill, member of the new york bar and secretary of the american institute of banking. the main purpose of this book is to teach bankers to recognize the danger signals in law, when they appear, and thus be able to distinguish between law and law suits.