The German philosopher Immanuel Kant was very familiar with the ideas of Adam Smith, as revealed by some letters between him and some friends. In the Groundwork, Kant reflects on the division of labor and how it affects science and philosophy:
All trades, arts, and handiworks have gained by division of labour, namely, when, instead of one man doing everything, each confines himself to a certain kind of work distinct from others in the treatment it requires, so as to be able to perform it with greater facility and in the greatest perfection. Where the different kinds of work are not distinguished and divided, where everyone is a jack-of-all-trades, there manufactures remain still in the greatest barbarism. It might deserve to be considered whether pure philosophy in all its parts does not require a man specially devoted to it, and whether it would not be better for the whole business of science if those who, to please the tastes of the public, are wont to blend the rational and empirical elements together, mixed in all sorts of proportions unknown to themselves, and who call themselves independent thinkers, giving the name of minute philosophers to those who apply themselves to the rational part only- if these, I say, were warned not to carry on two employments together which differ widely in the treatment they demand, for each of which perhaps a special talent is required, and the combination of which in one person only produces bunglers.
In other words, does the division of labor extend to separating scientists into the rational and empirical parts of their sciences? If so, Kant argues, then we must remind those who popularize scientific ideas by combining the two elements that they are meant to be studied and carried out separately.