Credit

Clark W. Bryan's “Credit” offers a fascinating and in-depth look into the inner workings of the Bradstreet Mercantile Agency, an institution crucial to the 19th-century commercial world yet largely unknown to the general public. The essay, originally published in The Paper World and The Manufacturer, provides a unique perspective from a “competent and critical observer” who has taken the time to understand the agency's character and operations. It's not just a description of a business; it's a study of how information, organization, and a commitment to accuracy underpin the very concept of commercial credit. The text is an exploration of the agency's mission, its methodologies, and its vital role in the economic life of a rapidly growing nation.