Cameron Guthrie recently co-published an article on how Adam Smith found inspiration in French texts on pin-making to illustrate his theory of the division of labour. The authors argue that his use of secondary sources influenced both his understanding of the strong division of labour and opportunities for productivity improvements in the pin-making industry. The original and secondary texts are examined to understand how Smith interpreted them to develop his theory.

Peaucelle, J-L. et Guthrie, C., “How Adam Smith found inspiration in French texts on pin making in the eighteenth century”, History of Economic Ideas, XIX, 3, 2011.