CONTENTS. vii 



CHAPTER XX. 



Of the effect of the increase of metallic wealth on the various 

 classes of society between 1483 and 1583. General 

 complaints of distress. From the gentry, husbandmen, 

 manufacturers, and merchants, from " A Briefe Conceipte 

 touching the Commonweal of this Realme of England." 

 Effects of the increase of prices. In England, the crown 

 becoming comparatively poorer, the landed proprietors 

 and cultivators benefited as well as merchants and manu- 

 facturers. The labourers injured. The rise of the 

 middle classes of society. The effect of the first influx 

 of gold and silver greater than that of larger quantities 

 subsequently . . . Page 87 



i 



CHAPTER XXI. 



On the increase of metallic wealth and the proportionate in- 

 crease of material wealth between the years 1600 and 

 1700. Increase of produce from Potosi not large. Se- 

 verities exercised towards the natives. Several new 

 mines opened in Buenos Ayres. Silver mine at Pasco 

 very rich. Those of quicksilver at Huancavelica much 

 injured. Gold-washings in Chili. The mines of New 

 Granada or Columbia. Of Choco. Of Mexico. Me- 

 thod of working them and their increased produce.- 

 Brazil. Increase of the use of gold articles. Of coined 

 money. Of population. Of commodities and wealth 

 generally. Estimate of its amount . .115 



CHAPTER XXII. 



On the production of gold and silver from the year 1700 to 

 1809 inclusive. Mexico. Its original state and method 

 of government. Increase of wealth. Estimate of the 



