Hundreds of books which belonged to a key figure in the Scottish Enlightenment have been pulled into one collection to make them more accessible.

The volumes amassed by philosopher and economist Adam Smith offer insights into the writing that shaped his ideas.

Now a library of 850 books have been gathered into a single collection representing Smith’s interests.

The books, contained in 1600 volumes, are now held in the Treasures Room in the University of Edinburgh’s main library, and students and the wider public can access the full catalogue online.

Enthusiasts will be able to log on to read detailed descriptions of the books, which range in theme from politics, economics, law and history to literary works and studies of architecture and mathematics.

The condition of the volumes is generally good and feature various examples of fine bindings from the 18th century and earlier.

Highlights include a first edition of De revolutionibus by the mathematician and astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus from 1543.

Smith, seen as one of the leading lights of the Scottish Enlightenment, is known around the world for his landmark text of 1776, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.

The University holds about half of Smith's original library, the main portion of which was gifted to the University's New College in the 19th century by David Douglas Bannerman, the grandson of judge David Douglas, who was Smith's nephew and heir.

The collection was transferred to the Main Library in 1972.