Evolution of accounting for corporate treasury stock in the United States

Is treasury stock an asset or a reduction of net equity? This study is concerned with the process of accounting for treasury stock from as early as 1720 to date. It illustrates the many methods which have been used to create funds by the purchase and sale of treasury stocks and concludes with a consideration of the effects of the Internal Revenue Act of 1934 and the Security Exchange Act of 1934 on the treatment of treasury stock.