which he means the power to translate one set of functions 
into a new mode and language. The feudal system was based 
on oral culture and self-contained system of centres-without-
margins, as Pirenne showed us earlier. This structure was 
translated by visual, quantitative means into great centre-
margin systems of a nationalist mercantile kind, a process 
greatly assisted by printing. It is interesting to see the way in 
which Adam Smith viewed this process of drastic translation 
carried out in the English Civil War. It was just about to take 
place in France:

          A revolution of the greatest importance to public 
     happiness was in this manner brought about by two 
     different orders of people, who had not the least intention 
     to serve the public. To gratify the most childish vanity 
     was the sole motive of the great proprietors. The