---
entity_slug: tobacco_colonies
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T06:31:49.487081'
overall_score: 4.2
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition is clear and specific, identifying tobacco colonies as
    North American plantations (Virginia/Maryland) that produce tobacco for European
    export. It avoids circularity and distinguishes this concept from general agriculture
    by emphasizing the specialized nature and rent-commanding ability of tobacco cultivation.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is well-grounded in Smith's actual text from Book I, Chapter
    11, where he discusses tobacco colonies as examples of specialized agricultural
    production. The comparison to sugar colonies and the discussion of rents relative
    to ordinary agricultural land directly reflects Smith's analysis.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The "Production" domain assignment is correct, as tobacco colonies represent
    a specific form of agricultural production with distinct economic characteristics.
    This fits naturally within Smith's broader analysis of different types of productive
    activities and their varying returns.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: Tobacco colonies map primarily to S1 (primary operations) as they represent
    actual productive activities, but the concept is somewhat VSM-neutral. While they
    involve coordination and environmental adaptation, the entity itself doesn't strongly
    illuminate VSM dynamics beyond being a basic operational unit.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity provides good explanatory value by illustrating Smith's theory
    of differential rents and specialized agriculture. It demonstrates how particular
    crops and geographic conditions create economic advantages, contributing to understanding
    of rent theory and colonial economic structures.
---

# Evaluation: Tobacco Colonies

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition is clear and specific, identifying tobacco colonies as North American plantations (Virginia/Maryland) that produce tobacco for European export. It avoids circularity and distinguishes this concept from general agriculture by emphasizing the specialized nature and rent-commanding ability of tobacco cultivation.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is well-grounded in Smith's actual text from Book I, Chapter 11, where he discusses tobacco colonies as examples of specialized agricultural production. The comparison to sugar colonies and the discussion of rents relative to ordinary agricultural land directly reflects Smith's analysis.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

The "Production" domain assignment is correct, as tobacco colonies represent a specific form of agricultural production with distinct economic characteristics. This fits naturally within Smith's broader analysis of different types of productive activities and their varying returns.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

Tobacco colonies map primarily to S1 (primary operations) as they represent actual productive activities, but the concept is somewhat VSM-neutral. While they involve coordination and environmental adaptation, the entity itself doesn't strongly illuminate VSM dynamics beyond being a basic operational unit.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

This entity provides good explanatory value by illustrating Smith's theory of differential rents and specialized agriculture. It demonstrates how particular crops and geographic conditions create economic advantages, contributing to understanding of rent theory and colonial economic structures.
