Boisguilbert: Economist of the Reign of Louis XIV

An "appreciative exposition" on the writings of Boisguilbert, with special emphasis on his descriptions of trade restraints and their effects on the economy in seventh-century France. The author also compares these descriptions with the origin of the theory of laissez faire and other modern economic thought. Preface Contents Introduction: Economic Conditions under Louis XIV I. The Time Produces the Man II. Schoolmaster to the Controller General III. Defeat IV. Writings and Style V. The Taille VI. Affaires extraordinaires; The Aides and Duanes VII. The Political Situation; On Colbert VIII. Boisguilbert’s Proposals for Reform IX. Social Philosophy: A Precursor of the Socialists X. Theory of Economic Fluctuation XI. On Money and Credit XII. On Value and Price XIII. On the Rent of Land XIV. The Relation of Boisguilbert’s Concept of Economic Equilibrium to Static Theory XV. Laissez Faire XVI. The Prototype of The Wealth of Nations XVII. The Prototype of The Wealth of Nations: External Evidence Appendix: Criticism of Oncken’s History of the Origin of the Maxim “Laissez Faire” Bibliography Index