---
entity_slug: public_warehouse_system
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T06:14:31.436924'
overall_score: 4.4
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly describes a specific institutional mechanism for
    customs collection with distinct operational features (government warehouses,
    deferred duty payment, anti-smuggling benefits). It avoids circularity and captures
    a concrete administrative system rather than a vague concept.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is directly grounded in Smith's actual proposals in Book
    V, Chapter 2, where he explicitly discusses warehouse systems as a customs reform
    measure. The description accurately reflects Smith's arguments about efficiency
    gains and smuggling prevention.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement as this represents
    Smith''s theoretical proposal for institutional reform of tax collection systems.
    It fits naturally within his broader analysis of public finance and administrative
    efficiency.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity maps well to VSM System 3 (internal regulation/audit) as
    it represents an operational control mechanism for government revenue collection,
    with clear monitoring and regulatory functions. It also has some S1 characteristics
    as a primary operational system.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity illuminates an important structural mechanism in Smith's thinking
    about how institutional design can solve coordination problems (smuggling, collection
    costs) in public finance. It demonstrates Smith's attention to implementation
    details rather than just abstract principles.
---

# Evaluation: Public Warehouse System

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly describes a specific institutional mechanism for customs collection with distinct operational features (government warehouses, deferred duty payment, anti-smuggling benefits). It avoids circularity and captures a concrete administrative system rather than a vague concept.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is directly grounded in Smith's actual proposals in Book V, Chapter 2, where he explicitly discusses warehouse systems as a customs reform measure. The description accurately reflects Smith's arguments about efficiency gains and smuggling prevention.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement as this represents Smith's theoretical proposal for institutional reform of tax collection systems. It fits naturally within his broader analysis of public finance and administrative efficiency.

## vsm_relevance — 4.0 / 5.0

This entity maps well to VSM System 3 (internal regulation/audit) as it represents an operational control mechanism for government revenue collection, with clear monitoring and regulatory functions. It also has some S1 characteristics as a primary operational system.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The entity illuminates an important structural mechanism in Smith's thinking about how institutional design can solve coordination problems (smuggling, collection costs) in public finance. It demonstrates Smith's attention to implementation details rather than just abstract principles.
