It Is Quite Wonderful To Behold What Numbers Of Merchants And Other People, And What Astonishing Quantities Of Merchandize And Goods Of All Sorts Are To Be Seen In Cambalu.

The money of the great khan is not of gold or silver, or other metal, but of a species of paper, which is thus made:

They take the middle Dark of the mulberry tree, which they make firm in a particular manner, and this is cut out into round pieces of various sizes, on which the seal or mark of the khan is impressed. Of this paper money, an immense quantity is fabricated in the city of Cambalu, sufficient to supply the currency of the whole empire; and no person, under pain of death, may coin or spend any other money, or refuse to accept of this, in all the kingdoms and countries which are subject to his dominions. All who come into his dominions are prohibited from using any other money, so that all merchants coming from countries however remote, must bring with them gold, silver, pearls, or precious stones, for which they receive the khans paper money in exchange: And as that money is not received in other countries, they must exchange it again in the empire of the great khan, for merchandize to carry with them on their return. The khan pays all salaries, stipends, and wages to his officers, servants, and army, in this money, and whatever is required for the service of his court and household is paid for in the same.

Enter page number Go  Previous Next
Page 524 of 810
Words from 143361 to 143617 of 222093