The Origin of Metallic Currency and Weight Standards

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"The Origin of Metallic Currency and Weight Standards" by William Ridgeway is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work primarily explores the inception and development of metallic currency and weight standards throughout ancient civilizations, utilizing a comparative method to analyze how these systems evolved over time. The author delves into the significance of these standards in the advancement of civilization and critiques previous scholarly approaches to the subject. The opening of the book sets the stage for a thorough investigation into the origins of currency and weight systems, focusing particularly on the evidence of early Greek records. Ridgeway begins by linking the concepts of wealth in ancient societies to barter systems, noting that value was often expressed in terms of livestock, such as cows. He critiques existing theories and emphasizes the importance of revisiting Greek literature, particularly the works of Homer, to uncover the relationships between early units of exchange. This initial discussion indicates Ridgeway's aim to provide fresh insights into the mechanisms that underpinned ancient economies, suggesting that understanding these roots is critical for comprehending modern monetary systems.