How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Among brothers and among sisters, the eldest always take place; and in the succession of the paternal estate every thing which cannot be divided, but must go entire to one person, such as a title of honour, is in most cases given to the eldest. (5.1.38)
In Smith's time, it was common for all of a family's property to get handed down to the eldest son. That was mostly because people were prejudiced in favor of men over women and because older was always considered better than younger.
Quote #8
All families are equally ancient; and the ancestors of the prince, though they may be better known, cannot well be more numerous than those of the beggar. (5.1.40)
Adam Smith thinks it's silly that some families in England are respected just based on the idea that they have a long bloodline. The blunt fact is that if you go back far enough, we all come from the same families. So the idea that some families are better than others is dumb.
Quote #9
They [birth and fortune] are the two great sources of personal distinction, and are therefore the principal causes which naturally establish authority and subordination among men. (5.1.43)
There are no two things that put a person in the upper classes more than their money and the family they were born into. Nowadays, we care more about money than family. But back in Smith's day, you could be totally poor and still be respected if you were from a good family.