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The correlation of monthly establishment wage and changes in wage dispersion between plants is studied using a model of manufacturing developed by Goldin and Katz and data from manuscript census of American manufacturing. The findings support the de-skilling hypothesis, which holds that the labor force in American manufacturing became less skilled as the sector evolved from the artisan shop to the factory during the nineteenth century.

We examine the extent and correlates of part-year manufacturing during the late nineteenth century using unpublished data from the manuscripts of the 1870 and 1880 censuses of manufactures. These are the earliest comprehensive estimates available on this topic. Although the typical manufacturing plant operated full-time, part-year operation was not uncommon. Indeed, the likelihood of part-year operation varied across industries and location and with plant characteristics, and workers in such plants received higher monthly wages than those in firms that operated yearround, compensating them for the loss of work and possible inconvenience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which discussed the distribution of wealth in the egalitarian society of the rural North during the Civil War. Role of age structure in determining wealth distribution within the society; Implication of life-cycle pattern of accumulation to wealth distribution.

Relates the effect of the steam engine development on industrialization and on manufacturing industries in the United States (U.S.) during the 19th century. Uses of steam engine in Great Britain and in the U.S.

Comments on a series of articles focusing on economic history. Purpose of the utilization of records of two iron manufacturers in colonial Pennsylvania and Maryland; Advantages offered by investment in iron manufacture.

Focuses on the economic development of manufacturing in Western and Southern the United States during the antebellum period. Result of the analysis of the nature of southern manufacturing activity; Views on regional manufacturing patterns.

Presents a response to a commentary raised regarding the measurement of efficiency of dairy farming in the United States from 1850 to 1910. Explanation on average yield as a measure of efficiency; View on the formulation of an index of dairy productivity; Comment on labor productivity data.

Focuses on the estimation of labor inputs and productivity in dairy production in the United States from 1850 to 1910. Factors which affected the increase in yields and labor productivity in field crops; Importance of dairy production in the farm economy of the country.

Computes the average milk yields in dairy agriculture in the United States and analyzes the sources of changes in these yields between 1850 and 1910. Productivity changes in wheat, corn and oats during the period; Factors to be accounted for productivity growth; Mechanical improvements in dairying before 1900.