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This essay examines the recent use of the concept of institutions in economics and political science, and the impact of institutions on economic growth and democracy. The discussion includes the definition of institutions, the question of endogenous and exogenous origins of institutions, the role of fixed and flexible institutions, and the relations among different types of institutions. Particular attention is given to recent books by Avner Greif and by Daron Acemoglu & James A. Robinson. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme variation in the extent of inequality emerged early across the New World colonies established by the Europeans, and we hypothesized in previous work that these contrasts persisted over time through systematic differences in the ability and inclination of elites to shape legal frameworks to advantage themselves. We find support for this view in how the rules governing the extension of suffrage evolved over time within the United States, and across the societies of the Americas. Polities with labor scarcity and greater equality generally led in broadening the franchise and attaining high rates of participation in elections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights the evolution of institutions that encouraged trade in technology and a growing division of labor between those who invented technologies and those who exploited them commercially in the 19th and 20th centuries. Patent system as the basis for trade in technology; Growth of trade in patents and specialization at invention; Development of the market for technology.

Discusses the condition of patentable invention during the early industrialization in the United States from 1790 to 1846. Increase in the importance of patentees with greater long-term investments in inventive activity; Acceleration of invention during the period.

Presents a study on the patterns of inventive activity in the United States (U.S.) using a sample of patent records from 1790-1846. Growth of patents in the U.S.; Relation between patenting and proximity; Impact of inventive activities on market growth.

Studies the rural antebellum manufacturing in the South and Midwest in the United States. Similarity of manufacturing output per capita; Levels of output in countries specialized in cotton production; Significance of total factor production in countries specializing in wheat.

Compares the evolution of manufacturing and the development of cottage industries in the United States and England. Seasonality as an important variable; Indepth look at female involvement within the cottage industry; Inclusion of statistical information to support the industry's performance.

Comments on dissertations on economic history by Joseph P. Ferrie, Andrew R. Rutten and Margaret C. Levenstein. Ferrie's ``We Are Yankeys Now': The Economic Mobility of Two Thousand Antebellum Immigrants to the United States'; Rutten's `The Supreme Court and the Search for an Economic Constitution, 1970-1990'; Levenstein's `Information Systems and Internal Organization: A Study of the Dow Chemical Company, 1890-1914.'

Explores the growth in inventive activity during early American industrialization by examining the careers of 160 inventors credited with important technological discoveries. Biographical information and complete patent histories through 1865; Entrepreneurship and systematic response to market demand; Redirection of activity to meet emerging needs; Geographical mobility.

Presents an abstract of a research paper `Long-Term Change in the Organization of Inventive Activity,' by Naomi R. Lamoreaux and Kenneth L. Sokoloff, presented at the annual meeting of the Economic History Association.

Presents an abstract of a conference paper on the evolution of schooling institutions in the U.S.