The degree of civilization attained by a nation may, in a great measure, be estimated by the progress which it has made in those useful arts, trades, and employments, by means of which the necessaries, conveniencies, and luxuries of life are formed, collected, and distributed. In order to judge of the degree of this advancement, perhaps no better criterion need be sought than observing the divisions and subdivisions found to exist in its trades, manufactures, and other callings. By comparing these with the state of manufactures, trade, and commerce of other nations, a tolerably correct notion may be formed of the point which such people has actually attained in the scale of social refinement.