chap. Xlii. ON THE TRANSFER OF MONEY.

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wealth of its various nations; but that wealthwas of a more substantial and stationary kindthan the precious metals, which only measine orrepresent labour, which act as a stimulus to in-dustry both of body and mind, but are, after all,the least part of the real wealth of a community.

We do not suppose, taking into considerationall the circumstances to which we have adverted,that the operation of the crusades was of greatinfluence, either in augmenting or diminishingthe stock of gold and silver in Europe, thoughit gave an impulse directing the course of thosemetals sometimes from the west to the east,and again at other times in an opposite direc-tion ; and thereby produced an exchange ofcommodities which is one of the natural meansof promoting national prosperity.