Of the Advantages and Disadvantages Resulting from Division of Labour, and of the Extent to which it may be Carried.

The celebrated Adam Smith was point out the immense increase of production, and the superior perfection of products referable to this division of labour. The division of labour cheapens products, by raising a greater quantity at the same or less charge of production. Competition soon obliges the producer to lower the price to the whole amount of the slaving effected; so that Adam Smith derives much less benefit than the consumer; and every obstacle the latter throws in the way of that division is an injury to him. The advantages accruing from division of labour can be enjoyed in respect of particular kinds of products only; and not in them, until their consumption has exceeded a certain point of extension. Divisions of labour cannot be carried to the extreme limit, except in products capable of distant transport and the consequent increase of consumption; or where manufacture is carried on amidst a dense population, offering an extensive local consumption.