VI CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



On the acquisition of the precious metals from the discovery 

 of America,, in 1492, to the opening of the mines of Po- 

 tosi in 1546. Small quantity of gold at first found in 

 America. The accumulation of years. Humboldt's 

 estimate rather too great. The receipts from Mexico. 

 Those from Peru much larger. The mines opened 

 of both gold and silver and amount obtained. Appli- 

 cation of these metals to domestic purposes and religious 

 uses ..... Page 41 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



On the acquisition of the precious metals from the opening 

 the mines of Potosi, in 1546, to the end of the year 1599. 

 Discovery of Potosi. Amount of its produce. Hum- 

 boldt's estimate. Other mines of Peru. Those of Chili. 

 Brazil gold- washings. Mines of Europe. Estimate of 

 the aggregate amount of the stock of gold and silver at 

 the end of the 16th century. Of its application to do- 

 mestic uses in Europe and in Asia. Of the quantity 

 converted into coin . . . .57 



CHAPTER XIX. 



On the rise of prices simultaneously with the increase of gold 

 and silver in the first century after the discovery of 

 America. Advance of prices in England. Comparison 

 of those of 1480 and 1599. Prices of corn during this 

 time. Laws relative to the export of corn. Rise of 

 rents noticed by Latimer. Alteration in the value of 

 coin and in the expenses of subsistence Table of the 

 advance of prices in France. Alteration in those of 

 Spain, Italy, and Germany . . .71 



