Most Spanish–American silver was produced by the now obsolete amalgamation process which was introduced into Central and South America by the Spaniards in the 16th century. Because of the socioeconomic influence of this silver, the process provides opportunities for novel interdisciplinary connections. It can be linked, through the writings of Bodin, Locke, Hume, Adam Smith, Marx, Keynes and others, to historical controversies about the rise of capitalism, the evolution of the quantity theory of money and the growth of early world trade patterns. At the same time, the psychological fascination of American treasure provides opportunities for literary connections. This is demonstrated by using Joseph Conrad's novel, ‘Nostromo’.
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