The consistency of the classical theory of money and prices

In his recent article “The Indeterminacy of Absolute Prices in Classical Economic Theory”, ¹ Don Patinkin arrives at the conclusion that “due to the traditional assumption that the demand for goods depends only on relative prices”, the classical system as presented by Cassel is inconsistent. I have the impression that Mr. Patinkins argument and consequently also his conclusion are erroneous. Since his criticism is aimed at the logical foundations of the non-Keynesian theory of general equilibrium, a further airing of the controversial issues involved can serve a useful purpose.