The rate of the wages of labor, the last of the causes affecting the formation of instruments, though a subject of investigation in itself highly interesting, and closely connected with this whole inquiry, is not, as has been already stated, to be otherwise considered in these investigations, than as an existing circumstance, the operation of which is also of importance in the determination of the extent to which the stock of materials, in possession of any society, will be wrought up by it, but the laws regulating which lie beyond our prescribed limits.So considered, a low rate of wages may be esteemed, in its direct effects, as producing the same results as an improvement in the quality of the materials operated on, or an extension of the power to operate on them, through an advance in the progress of invention.All these cause the same returns to be produced from a less expenditure, or greater returns, from the same expenditure.They all, therefore, place a greater range of materials within compass of the accumulative principle, and occasion the construction of a larger amount of instruments.The advance of invention, however, differs from a lowering in the rate of wages, in being a quantity to the increase of which we can set no bounds, whereas, we soon arrive at a limit to the possible diminution of the rate of wages.
In the principles on which they depend, and in their ulterior consequences they differ, I believe it will be found, still more widely.
The first example I shall take, of the effect of circumstances in moulding the characters of communities, and of these again, in determining the extent to which they carry the formation of instruments, will be that of the American Indian.
The life of the hunter seems unfavorable to the perfect developement of the accumulative principle.In this state man may be said to be necessarily improvident, and regardless of futurity, because, in it, the future presents nothing, which can be with certainty either foreseen, or governed.The hunting grounds are the sources from which, among hunters, the means of subsistence are drawn.But these belong to the nation or the tribe, which alone therefore, can make more abundant provision for futurity by securing to itself a domain more extensive, or better supplied with wild animals;or meet poverty, by being restricted to one more narrow, or barren.As regards his future means of living, every member of such a community thinks of nothing but whether the supply of game will be plentiful, or scanty;in the one case, he knows that he will enjoy abundance, in the other that he must endure want.In such societies therefore, the view can never be directed to any distant future good, which present exertion may secure to the individual, but is confined to what, by that exertion may be added to the power, or the territory of the tribe.What applies to the individual hunter, applies to his family.Their comfort depends less on his particular exertions, than on circumstances affecting the whole band, or little nation to which he belongs.It is only in infancy that the wants of the young savage are, to any great extent, provided for by his parents.Afterwards he feasts, or fasts, like every other member of the community, as abundance, or scarcity reigns in the camp.That camp, indeed, may be said to form the family of the Indian.His whole thoughts, and affections centre there, nor has he any cares for a distant futurity, either for himself, or his offspring, separated from the common sufferings or enjoyments of his tribe.
Were the causes determining the future good or evil flowing to each of these great families, to be within reach of the energies of the individuals composing them, they would have a steady aim for their exertions, and having the means, might acquire the habit of purchasing future plenty, and security, by present toil, and privation, and of tracing out with certainty, remote consequences, to immediate acts.But this is a mode of thought and action, to which the circumstances of their condition are opposed.As the utmost prudence, foresight, and fortitude, can but little affect the future welfare of the individual, so, their power to promote the prosperity of the society, is limited and precarious.
If a tribe of hunters occupy a healthy territory, and one plentifully supplied with game, they are pressed on by others, eager to seize on these advantages, and so are continually engaged in destructive wars.While the individuals composing such a tribe, can slaughter their foes, that is, the surrounding tribes, or can drive them to a distance, they want for nothing.The defeat of their own tribe, is the only calamity they have to dread.This calamity is every now and then overtaking them.
