The proper sustainability of the stock of goods in a capital drags the last increase in the size of a product down in the production activities; as it is the only way available to preserve the capital, and it appears lake decreasing marginal product of an extended production. The pure form of a capital is to deplete the stock of certain economic goods, not to accumulate them, unlike the rent. So when property promotes the safeguarding of capital, it reveals an ever diminishing productivity.
Historical Backdrop
• JAMES ANDERSON The Origins of Rent: profit.
• JOHANN VON THUNEN Isolated State: marginal increment.
• DAVID RICARDO On the Principle of Political Economy and Taxation: rent.
• WILLIAM JEVONS The Theory of Political Economy: final rate of yield.
• JOHN BATES CLARK The Philosophy of Wealth: increasing costliness.
• ALFRED MARSHALL Principles of Economics: law of decreasing returns.