--- ENTITY: productive powers of labour ---

# Productive Powers of Labour

## Definition

The capacity of labour to generate output, which Smith argues is substantially enhanced through the division of labour, resulting in greater skill, dexterity, and judgment in the application of labour.

## Source Chapter

Book I, Chapter 1

## Context

Smith identifies the division of labour as the primary source of improvements in productive powers of labour, using the pin factory example to demonstrate how specialisation multiplies output.

## Economic Domain

Production

---
--- ENTITY: skill and dexterity ---

# Skill and Dexterity

## Definition

The manual and technical capabilities of workers that improve through specialisation, enabling faster and more precise execution of specific tasks within a production process.

## Source Chapter

Book I, Chapter 1

## Context

Smith argues that when workers perform the same operation repeatedly as their sole employment, they develop superior skill and dexterity compared to workers who must switch between different tasks.

## Economic Domain

Production

---
--- ENTITY: judgment in labour application ---

# Judgment in Labour Application

## Definition

The capacity to make appropriate decisions about how labour should be directed and applied, which improves through specialisation and experience in specific production processes.

## Source Chapter

Book I, Chapter 1

## Context

Smith includes judgment alongside skill and dexterity as one of the three improvements in labour resulting from division of labour, suggesting workers develop better decision-making about their specific tasks.

## Economic Domain

Production

---
--- ENTITY: pin-maker trade ---

# Pin-Maker Trade

## Definition

A specialised manufacturing occupation focused on producing pins through a series of distinct operations, used by Smith as his primary example of division of labour's effects on productivity.

## Source Chapter

Book I, Chapter 1

## Context

Smith uses the pin-maker trade to illustrate how dividing 18 distinct operations among specialised workers dramatically increases output compared to a single worker performing all operations.

## Economic Domain

Production

---
--- ENTITY: machinery invention ---

# Machinery Invention

## Definition

The creation of mechanical devices that facilitate and abridge labour, often emerging as a consequence of the division of labour when workers focus their attention on improving specific production processes.

## Source Chapter

Book I, Chapter 1

## Context

Smith identifies machinery invention as the third benefit of division of labour, arguing that concentrated attention on specific tasks leads workers to discover labour-saving mechanical improvements.

## Economic Domain

Production

---
--- ENTITY: agricultural labour ---

# Agricultural Labour

## Definition

The work performed in farming and food production, which Smith notes is less amenable to division of labour than manufacturing due to seasonal variations and the interconnected nature of agricultural tasks.

## Source Chapter

Book I, Chapter 1

## Context

Smith contrasts agricultural labour with manufacturing, arguing that the latter allows for greater subdivision of tasks and therefore more dramatic productivity gains from division of labour.

## Economic Domain

Production

---
--- ENTITY: manufacturer ---

# Manufacturer

## Definition

A worker engaged in the transformation of raw materials into finished goods through specialised production processes, typically performing only one aspect of the manufacturing operation.

## Source Chapter

Book I, Chapter 1

## Context

Smith uses the manufacturer as an example of how division of labour creates specialised workers who perform only one aspect of production, contrasting this with the multifunctional farmer.

## Economic Domain

Production

---
--- ENTITY: farmer ---

# Farmer

## Definition

An agricultural producer who typically performs multiple interconnected tasks throughout the farming cycle, making complete specialisation less feasible than in manufacturing.

## Source Chapter

Book I, Chapter 1

## Context

Smith uses the farmer to illustrate how agricultural work resists the complete division of labour possible in manufacturing, as farmers must perform various tasks across different seasons.

## Economic Domain

Production

---
--- ENTITY: flax grower ---

# Flax Grower

## Definition

A specialised agricultural producer who cultivates flax plants for use in linen production, representing one of the many distinct occupations in the textile manufacturing chain.

## Source Chapter

Book I, Chapter 1

## Context

Smith mentions flax growers as part of the extensive chain of specialised workers involved in producing linen, demonstrating how division of labour extends beyond the immediate manufacturing process.

## Economic Domain

Production

---
--- ENTITY: wool grower ---

# Wool Grower

## Definition

A specialised agricultural producer who raises sheep for wool, representing one of the many distinct occupations in the woollen textile manufacturing chain.

## Source Chapter

Book I, Chapter 1

## Context

Smith mentions wool growers as part of the extensive chain of specialised workers involved in producing woollen cloth, demonstrating how division of labour extends beyond the immediate manufacturing process.

## Economic Domain

Production

---
--- ENTITY: bleacher ---

# Bleacher

## Definition

A specialised worker who whitens linen fabric through chemical or natural processes,