Rhetoric and the Invention of Double Entry Bookkeeping

Abstract

If he [the merchant] be fortunate it [i.e. double-entry bookkeeping] satisfies the world of his just dealing, and is the fairest and best Apologies of his innocence and honesty to the World, and Contributes exceedingly to the satisfaction of all his friends and well-wishers, and to the Confutation and silencing of all his malevolent and detracting enemies, and proves the great cause to bring him to a most favourable Composition with his Creditor: whereas those that are ignorant of it, in such a Condition are censured by all, when they have nothing to show but bare words to vindicate themselves.