Page:Reflections on the Formation and the Distribution of Riches by Anne Turgot.djvu/54

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Of capitals in general, and of the revenue of money. There is another way of being rich, without labouring and without possessing lands, of which I have not yet spoken. It is necessary to explain its origin and its connection with the rest of the system of the distribution of riches in the society, of which I have just drawn the outline. This way consists in living upon what is called the revenue of one's money, or upon the interest one draws from money placed on loan.

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Of the use of gold and silver in commerce.

Silver and gold are two articles of commerce like others, and less precious than many others, because they are of no use for the real needs of life. To explain how these two metals have become the representative pledge of every kind of riches, what influence they exercise in the movement of Commerce, and how they enter into the composition of fortunes, it is necessary to go back a little and retrace our steps.