Medieval Italian merchants developed commercial and financial techniques, such as bookkeeping and bills of exchange, that spread north and west to Europe's emerging maritime and Protestant powers, notably Holland and England.

FORBES: Magazine Article

This was the practical effect of a seemingly minor bookkeeping adjustment one which changed the basis of American aid from grants to loans at roughly commercial interest rates.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center for Security Policy | Wake-Up Call From Saddam: Turkey Is A Friend In Need, A Friend Indeed