ABSTRACT
Economics and political science claim to draw conclusions and make generalizations about changes in prices, changes in institutions, changes in customs, and changes in activities generally. All changes or movements in the values of some character over time, place, or points of incidence of one kind and another, are subject to random or accidental movements. Secular tendencies or trends are exhibited in processes of growth, progress, or decay, in learning curves, and in all cumulative tendencies. The cyclical fluctuation would have to be formulated and changes in the value of money—the price "level"—allowed for. The regular occurrence and recurrence of trade cycles has led many economists to speak of the "Economic Rhythm". While economists think in terms of cycles or waves, political scientists prefer to speak of a political pendulum. A pendulum fluctuates from side to side and its "swing" gives the amplitude of the change, the depth of the wave from crest to trough.
