---
entity_slug: inland_corn_dealer
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:36:56.315344'
overall_score: 4.4
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition is clear and specific, identifying a distinct merchant
    role with defined functions (buying from farmers, selling to consumers domestically,
    distributing from surplus to scarcity areas). It avoids circularity and captures
    a concrete economic actor rather than a vague concept.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is directly grounded in Smith's text from Book IV, Chapter
    5, where he explicitly discusses and defends the role of inland corn dealers.
    The definition accurately reflects Smith's characterization of these merchants
    and their function in the grain trade.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The "Distribution" domain assignment is precisely correct, as the inland
    corn dealer's primary function is distributing grain from areas of surplus to
    areas of scarcity within the domestic market. This is a classic distribution/logistics
    role in the economic system.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity maps well to S1 (primary operations) as it represents a core
    operational function of the economic system - the physical distribution of essential
    goods. It also has some S2 relevance as it helps coordinate supply and demand
    across different geographic areas.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity illuminates an important structural mechanism in Smith's economic
    theory - how markets self-organize to distribute goods efficiently without central
    planning. It demonstrates Smith's broader argument about how individual merchant
    interests can align with public welfare through market mechanisms.
---

# Evaluation: Inland Corn Dealer

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition is clear and specific, identifying a distinct merchant role with defined functions (buying from farmers, selling to consumers domestically, distributing from surplus to scarcity areas). It avoids circularity and captures a concrete economic actor rather than a vague concept.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is directly grounded in Smith's text from Book IV, Chapter 5, where he explicitly discusses and defends the role of inland corn dealers. The definition accurately reflects Smith's characterization of these merchants and their function in the grain trade.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

The "Distribution" domain assignment is precisely correct, as the inland corn dealer's primary function is distributing grain from areas of surplus to areas of scarcity within the domestic market. This is a classic distribution/logistics role in the economic system.

## vsm_relevance — 4.0 / 5.0

This entity maps well to S1 (primary operations) as it represents a core operational function of the economic system - the physical distribution of essential goods. It also has some S2 relevance as it helps coordinate supply and demand across different geographic areas.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The entity illuminates an important structural mechanism in Smith's economic theory - how markets self-organize to distribute goods efficiently without central planning. It demonstrates Smith's broader argument about how individual merchant interests can align with public welfare through market mechanisms.
