An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations: Adam Smith started to write An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (aka. The Wealth of Nations) in 1768. In 1773, the book was completed basically. But, Adam Smith spent another 3 years to refine it. In March 1776, he released the first edition. In the same year, The Declaration of Independence was also announced. The Wealth of Nations consists of five volumes, starting from the source of wealth—labor, going down to the powerful tool of increasing production—division of labor; division of labor gives rise to bartering goods, and money functions as a common medium of exchange. Then it talks about the price of commodities, and its components: wages, rent of land and profit of stock.