Bills of exchange were primarily financial instruments used in the context of trade and finance. They are written orders from one party to another, typically involving a promise to pay a specified amount of money at a predetermined time. They are not to be confused with credit slips, bills of lading, shipping manifests, or receipts for goods.
To clarify the terms:
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Credit Slips: These are generally documents issued by a seller to a buyer, indicating a reduction in the amount the buyer owes, rather than a financial instrument for trade.
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Bills of Lading: These are documents issued by a carrier to acknowledge receipt of cargo for shipment. They serve as a contract between the shipper and the carrier but are not the same as bills of exchange.
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Shipping Manifests: These documents list the cargo being transported on a vessel or vehicle. They provide details about the contents but are not financial instruments.
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Receipts for Goods: These are acknowledgment of receipt and payment for goods, but again differ from bills of exchange which involve a promise to pay in the future.
Hence, the closest match in the context of trade and finance would be that bills of exchange are financial instruments rather than any of the options listed.