[51]. I own I want words to express the astonishment I feel at the proposal of such a remedy. A man, under the intoxication of what he conceives to be a new and important discovery, may be excused for occasionally making a rash statement; but that a proposal directly involving the discontinuance of the division of labour should, in a civilized country, be repeated over and over again by succeeding writers, and considered as an obvious resource in a sudden fall of profits, absolutely passes my comprehension. What a strange and most inapt illustration too, is it to talk about the possessors of broad cloths wanting to change them for silks! Who ever heard of a great producer of any commodity wishing to obtain an equivalent for it in some one other sort of completed commodity? If he is to produce what he wants, it must not be silks, but raw materials, tools, corn, meat, coats, hats, shoes and stockings, &c. &c.; and this is the obvious resource which is at hand in a glut!!!
[52]. Preface, p. 5.
[53]. Dissertation on Value, c. 1. p. 3.
[54]. Dissertation on Value, c. 1. p. 4.
[55]. Wealth of Nations, b. i. c. xi.
[56]. Production of Wealth, c. i. p. 49.
[57]. P. 242.
[58]. Dissertation on Value, c. i. p. 3.
[59]. C. ii. p. 39.
[60]. Dissertation on Value, c. iii. p. 58.