The Wealth of Nations · Character

Mr. Meggens

Cited authority on trade and prices.

minor

Also known as Mr. Meggens

First appearance: Digression Concerning the Variations in the Value of Silver During the Course of the Four Last Centuries

Mr. Meggens shows up with force in VIII: Of the Wages of Labour. The page is where that presence becomes real.

See Mr. Meggens in Digression Concerning the Variations in the Value of Silver During the Course of the Four Last Centuries Book page

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In VIII: Of the Wages of Labour: Mentioned as 'Mr. Messance', a French author whose data on manufactures is cited to argue about work in cheap vs. dear years. Later, in III: Of the Variations in the Proportion Between…

In VIII: Of the Wages of Labour: Mentioned as 'Mr. Messance', a French author whose data on manufactures is cited to argue about work in cheap vs. dear years.

Later, in III: Of the Variations in the Proportion Between the Respective Values of That Sort of Produce Which Always Affords Rent, and of That Which Sometimes Does and Sometimes Does Not Afford Rent: Referenced as a diligent collector of price accounts (implied by 'Mr. Messance').

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See Mr. Meggens in Digression Concerning the Variations in the Value of Silver During the Course of the Four Last Centuries

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Diverse authorities and generic roles
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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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Mr. Meggens appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

VIII: Of the Wages of Labour
Mentioned as 'Mr. Messance', a French author whose data on manufactures is cited to argue about work in cheap vs. dear years.
III: Of the Variations in the Proportion Between the Respective Values of That Sort of Produce Which Always Affords Rent, and of That Which Sometimes Does and Sometimes Does Not Afford Rent
Referenced as a diligent collector of price accounts (implied by 'Mr. Messance').
Digression Concerning the Variations in the Value of Silver During the Course of the Four Last Centuries
Referenced indirectly as 'Mr. Messance' (likely a variant), who collected French market data.
Variations in the Proportion Between the Respective Values of Gold and Silver
Cited for his account of the annual import ratio of gold to silver (1:22).
Conclusion of the Digression Concerning the Variations in the Value of Silver
Referenced as Mr. Messance, who collected French market data on corn prices.

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See Mr. Meggens in Digression Concerning the Variations in the Value of Silver During the Course of the Four Last Centuries