Proverb Question

[Fred Shapiro]

On Thu, 10 Nov 2005, Baker, John wrote:

>         "The mutual dependence of merchants is so great, that their
> engagements like a chain, which, according to the Law of Physics is
> never stronger than its weakest link, are oftener broke through the
> weakness of others than their own."  Edwin Freedley, A Practical
> Treatise on Business 196 (1852 copyright, 1853 on title page) (via
> Making of America).

Thanks very much for this, but what I was looking for was pre-1861
evidence for the exact wording "a chain is no stronger than its weakest
link."

Fred Shapiro


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