After the practices of adulteration naturally follow the practices of retail
trade. Concerning these, we will first of all give a word of counsel and
reason, and the law shall come afterwards. Retail trade in a city is not by
nature intended to do any harm, but quite the contrary; for is not he a
benefactor who reduces the inequalities and incommensurabilities of goods to
equality and common measure? And this is what the power of money accomplishes,
and the merchant may be said to be appointed for this purpose. The hireling
and the tavern - keeper, and many other occupations, some of them more and
others less seemly - alike have this object; - they seek to satisfy our needs
and equalize our possessions. Let us then endeavour to see what has brought
retail trade into ill - odour, and wherein, lies the dishonour and
unseemliness of it, in order that if not entirely, we may yet partially, cure
the evil by legislation. To effect this is no easy matter, and requires a
great deal of virtue.
Laws part 1 of 5. Part 2 / 3 / 4. You are at part 5
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