In "The Wealth of Peoples," A. Smith summarized the ideas of scientists over the previous century, developed a system of categories, methods and principles of economic science and had a decisive influence on its development in the 19th century in Great Britain and other countries, including Russia. During his lifetime, Smith's book withstood several editions and was translated into other European languages, becoming a classic of economic literature. Continuing interest in it is manifested today in connection with the problems of the world division of labor, the global market and competition in it.