69. All extensive undertakings, particularly those of
manufactures and of commerce, must indispensibly have been very
confined, before the introduction of gold and silver in trade.
It is almost unnecessary to remark, that undertakings of all
kinds, but especially those of manufactures, and above all those
of commerce, must, unavoidably be very confined, before the
introduction of gold and silver in trade; since it was almost
impossible to accumulate considerable capitals, and yet more
difficult, to multiply and divide payments so much as is
necessary, to facilitate and increase the exchanges to that
extent, which a spirited commerce and circulation require. The
cultivation of the land only may support itself to a certain
degree, because the cattle are the principal cause of the
advances required therein, and it is very probable, there is then
no other adventurer in cultivation but the proprietor. As to arts
of all kinds, they must necessarily have been in the greatest
languor before the introduction of money; they were confined to
the coarsest works, for which the proprietors supported the
advances, by nourishing the workmen, and furnishing them with
materials, or they caused them to be made in their own houses by
their servants.
