In truth, a fixed objective standard of value is not possible of attainment.

Altho the value of gold is stable as compared with most things, it rests on the estimates made by men and is constantly changing with conditions.

The current new supplies of gold are comparatively regular.

For centuries at a time there was little change in the methods of mining gold and there were no radical changes in its output.

The nature of the use of gold, likewise, is such as to made changes in the amount of it needed, under ordinary conditions, more stable than is that of most other goods.