---
entity_slug: engrossers_and_forestallers
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:23:09.639039'
overall_score: 4.2
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly distinguishes between two related but distinct
    medieval practices - forestalling (buying before market) and engrossing (accumulating
    stocks) - and explains their common purpose of market manipulation. The definition
    is precise and non-circular, though it could benefit from slightly more specificity
    about the mechanisms involved.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is well-grounded in Smith's actual text, particularly Book
    IV where he extensively discusses these medieval commercial regulations as part
    of his critique of the "ancient policy of Europe." Smith explicitly uses these
    terms and analyzes how such restrictions hindered agricultural improvement and
    efficient commerce.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The "Regulation" domain assignment is perfectly appropriate, as these
    are specific regulatory mechanisms that Smith analyzes as counterproductive government
    interventions in markets. This fits squarely within Smith's broader examination
    of how regulations can distort natural market processes.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity has moderate VSM relevance, primarily mapping to S2 (coordination)
    as these regulations attempted to control market oscillations and price variations,
    albeit counterproductively. It also touches on S3 (internal regulation) as a failed
    regulatory mechanism, though the mapping is not as natural as more structural
    economic concepts.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity provides strong explanatory value by illustrating a specific
    historical mechanism through which well-intentioned regulations can obstruct efficient
    market development. It demonstrates Smith's broader argument about unintended
    consequences of market intervention and helps explain the evolution from medieval
    to modern commercial practices.
---

# Evaluation: Engrossers And Forestallers

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly distinguishes between two related but distinct medieval practices - forestalling (buying before market) and engrossing (accumulating stocks) - and explains their common purpose of market manipulation. The definition is precise and non-circular, though it could benefit from slightly more specificity about the mechanisms involved.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is well-grounded in Smith's actual text, particularly Book IV where he extensively discusses these medieval commercial regulations as part of his critique of the "ancient policy of Europe." Smith explicitly uses these terms and analyzes how such restrictions hindered agricultural improvement and efficient commerce.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

The "Regulation" domain assignment is perfectly appropriate, as these are specific regulatory mechanisms that Smith analyzes as counterproductive government interventions in markets. This fits squarely within Smith's broader examination of how regulations can distort natural market processes.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

This entity has moderate VSM relevance, primarily mapping to S2 (coordination) as these regulations attempted to control market oscillations and price variations, albeit counterproductively. It also touches on S3 (internal regulation) as a failed regulatory mechanism, though the mapping is not as natural as more structural economic concepts.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

This entity provides strong explanatory value by illustrating a specific historical mechanism through which well-intentioned regulations can obstruct efficient market development. It demonstrates Smith's broader argument about unintended consequences of market intervention and helps explain the evolution from medieval to modern commercial practices.
