---
entity_slug: packet_boat_gold_import_estimate
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T06:04:20.779333'
overall_score: 4.2
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: "The definition is quite precise, specifying exact figures (\xA350,000\
    \ weekly, \xA32,600,000 annually) and clearly identifying the transport method\
    \ (packet-boat) and route (Portugal to England). It appropriately notes Smith's\
    \ skepticism about the accuracy while maintaining definitional clarity."
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity appears to be directly grounded in Smith's text from Book
    IV, Chapter 6, citing specific figures and Smith's own commentary about potential
    exaggeration. The entity faithfully represents Smith's use of this data point
    without adding interpretive layers.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The "Exchange" domain is perfectly appropriate for this entity, as it
    deals with international monetary flows and currency movements between nations.
    This is a core exchange mechanism in Smith's analysis of international trade.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity has moderate VSM relevance, primarily mapping to S4 (intelligence/environmental
    adaptation) as it represents information about international economic flows that
    inform policy decisions. However, it's more of a data point than a systemic mechanism.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity provides good explanatory value by illustrating the concrete
    scale of precious metal flows that Smith uses to support his broader theoretical
    arguments against mercantilism. It serves as empirical evidence for understanding
    international trade dynamics rather than just naming a phenomenon.
---

# Evaluation: Packet Boat Gold Import Estimate

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition is quite precise, specifying exact figures (£50,000 weekly, £2,600,000 annually) and clearly identifying the transport method (packet-boat) and route (Portugal to England). It appropriately notes Smith's skepticism about the accuracy while maintaining definitional clarity.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity appears to be directly grounded in Smith's text from Book IV, Chapter 6, citing specific figures and Smith's own commentary about potential exaggeration. The entity faithfully represents Smith's use of this data point without adding interpretive layers.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

The "Exchange" domain is perfectly appropriate for this entity, as it deals with international monetary flows and currency movements between nations. This is a core exchange mechanism in Smith's analysis of international trade.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

This entity has moderate VSM relevance, primarily mapping to S4 (intelligence/environmental adaptation) as it represents information about international economic flows that inform policy decisions. However, it's more of a data point than a systemic mechanism.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The entity provides good explanatory value by illustrating the concrete scale of precious metal flows that Smith uses to support his broader theoretical arguments against mercantilism. It serves as empirical evidence for understanding international trade dynamics rather than just naming a phenomenon.
