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When any expensive machine is erected, the extraordinary work to

be performed by it before it is worn out, it must be expected,

will replace the capital laid out upon it, with at least the

ordinary profits. A man educated at the expense of much labour

and time to any of those employments which require extraordinary

dexterity and skill, may be compared to one of those expensive

machines. The work which he learns to perform, it must be

expected, over and above the usual wages of common labour, will

replace to him the whole expense of his education, with at least

the ordinary profits of an equally valuable capital. It must do

this too in a reasonable time, regard being had to the very

uncertain duration of human life, in the same manner as to the

more certain duration of the machine.

The difference between the wages of skilled labour and those of

common labour, is founded upon this principle.