9192

ON THE CAUSES

given to labour of different qualities does not
originally affect the value of commodities, but
that when the influence of this cause is once
adjusted, it subsequently occasions no variation
in value. In the body of the section, however,
he softens this expression into “ inconsiderable
variation.” ‘“ We may fairly conclude,” says
he, “ that whatever inequality there might originally
 have been in them, whatever the ingenuity,
 skill, or time necessary for the acquirement
 of one species of manual dexterity
more than another, it continues nearly the same
from one generation to another ; or at least that
the variation is very inconsiderable from year
to year, and therefore can have little effect for
short periods, on the relative value of commodities.”


It is, however, a mere assumption, that “the
scale, when once formed, is liable to little variation
 ;” nor, if this could be established, would
it furnish any aid to the doctrine which we
have at present under consideration. If the differences
 of skill in different employments are so