1. Definition and Function
In the shortage economy of the early modern period, the relevance of used objects in both production (Industrial trades and crafts) and consumption was great: since raw materials were scarce and generally expensive (Resources, use of), whereas the relative cost of work was low, repair and recycling of scrap and salvage was normal practice; possessions were passed on or resold. Not just members of the underclass but members of the middle and upper classes also participated…