"We on Mars have been objective observers of your sick economic system. We have carefully studied its functions. Although I do not pretend to be an expert, I have consulted with our own experts, and feel myself qualified to make suggestions. From the analysis we have made, we call it moneyism which is the root of your economic evils. Your whole existence centers around your desire for money, and you are handicapped in that you must have money to live even a comparatively normal existence. "In nature, only living matter is productive. But contrary to natural law, you have created money, interest and reproductivity into an unnatural body, that has elements of the corrupt. "I am not going into the detailed dogmas of your economists, nor will I define them and their functions; but I will try to give you a summary of the history of money, past and present. "Money started in your ancient times, as a barter system. "Beginning by gradual evolution in your stone age, you started with living money like cattle, slaves, next came shells, colored fancy stones, stone axes, and tools. Then your earth man discovered iron ore, mining and smelting. At that time iron was scarce and became the most valuable metal of the time. You forged it into lance points, arrow points; then into axes, knives, swords, arm and leg bracelets, using these articles as a medium of exchange. "You afterward discovered silver, gold, other metals, and precious stones. With your innate craving for self decoration, you forged golden crowns, medals, belts, arm and leg bracelets for your leaders or kings; and then earrings, necklace, finger, and nose rings, and arm and ankle bracelets for your sweethearts, wives, and daughters. Thus, the more scarce and rare the metals, the more valuable they became, starting the medium of barter and exchange in metal bullion and coins. "You find an account in your Bible. 'In Genesis XX, 15, "And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before thee; dwell where it pleaseth thee." 16, And unto Sarah he said, "Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver; behold it is for thee a covering of the eyes to all that are with thee, and to all others. Thus she was reproved."' "The American Indians and white settlers used wampum as money. Tobacco government warehouse deposit certificates were also used as money. "In some of your Southern Pacific Islands your cannibal tribes used compressed human heads and skulls to purchase their wives; in Africa ivory elephant tusks were used and others of you have used a great many other mediums of exchange. "Mr. Norman Angell, one of your economists, in his book, _The Story of Money_, gives a clear description of the uses of money. He says it is used "As a medium of exchange, a measure of value, a standard of deferred payment, and as a store of value."[21] "Mr. Victor L. Clark, one of your authors, in his book _What is Money_, says that "It is something with which we can buy goods and services."[22]