---
entity_slug: assize_of_bread
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T00:36:09.193149'
overall_score: 4.2
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition is precise and captures a distinct regulatory mechanism
    - the legal fixing of bread prices based on wheat prices. It clearly distinguishes
    this from general price controls by specifying the wheat-bread relationship and
    its medieval origins.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is directly grounded in Smith's text from Book I, Chapter
    10, where he explicitly discusses the assize of bread as a specific example of
    price regulation. The characterization as a "remnant of older regulatory practices"
    aligns with Smith's historical analysis.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The "Regulation" domain is perfectly appropriate for this entity, as
    the assize of bread represents a specific form of government price regulation.
    This fits squarely within regulatory economics and policy analysis.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity maps reasonably well to S3 (internal regulation) as it represents
    a regulatory mechanism attempting to control market outcomes. However, it's somewhat
    VSM-neutral as it's more of a specific policy tool than a fundamental system component.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity provides good explanatory value by illustrating Smith's argument
    about the ineffectiveness of price controls compared to market competition. It
    serves as a concrete historical example of regulatory failure and the evolution
    away from medieval market controls.
---

# Evaluation: Assize Of Bread

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition is precise and captures a distinct regulatory mechanism - the legal fixing of bread prices based on wheat prices. It clearly distinguishes this from general price controls by specifying the wheat-bread relationship and its medieval origins.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is directly grounded in Smith's text from Book I, Chapter 10, where he explicitly discusses the assize of bread as a specific example of price regulation. The characterization as a "remnant of older regulatory practices" aligns with Smith's historical analysis.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

The "Regulation" domain is perfectly appropriate for this entity, as the assize of bread represents a specific form of government price regulation. This fits squarely within regulatory economics and policy analysis.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

This entity maps reasonably well to S3 (internal regulation) as it represents a regulatory mechanism attempting to control market outcomes. However, it's somewhat VSM-neutral as it's more of a specific policy tool than a fundamental system component.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The entity provides good explanatory value by illustrating Smith's argument about the ineffectiveness of price controls compared to market competition. It serves as a concrete historical example of regulatory failure and the evolution away from medieval market controls.
