पृष्ठ 749 / 2651

The fixed capital, and that part of the circulating capital which

consists in money, so far as they affect the revenue of the

society, bear a very great resemblance to one another.

First, as those machines and instruments of trade, etc. require a

certain expense, first to erect them, and afterwards to support

them, both which expenses, though they make a part of the gross,

are deductions from the neat revenue of the society; so the stock

of money which circulates in any country must require a certain

expense, first to collect it, and afterwards to support it; both

which expenses, though they make a part of the gross, are, in the

same manner, deductions from the neat revenue of the society. A

certain quantity of very valuable materials, gold and silver, and

of very curious labour, instead of augmenting the stock reserved

for immediate consumption, the subsistence, conveniencies, and

amusements of individuals, is employed in supporting that great

but expensive instrument of commerce, by means of which every

individual in the society has his subsistence, conveniencies, and

amusements, regularly distributed to him in their proper

proportions.