Principes d'Économie Politique by CANARD, Nicolas-François - 1801

Paris: Chez F. Buisson, 1801. 1st Edition. Soft cover. Very Good. 1st Edition. Soft cover. An X (1801). 8vo (216 x 138 mm). [4], 236 pp., including half-title with "Décret concernant les contrefacteurs" and signature stamp of publisher on verso, 3 folding letterpress tables. Uncut and in the original wrappers, spine with original printed paper label (minor paper chipping to spine and corners, creasing and dust-soiling, small hole in rear wrapper). Paper little age-toned only, minor occasional spotting and dust-soiling to outer margins, lower blank corner of p. 181/2 torn and a few paper flaws elsewhere all not affecting text. A very good, highly unsophisticated copy. ----

RARE FIRST EDITION OF ONE OF THE FOUNDING WORKS OF ECONOMICS. Nicolas-François Canard (1754-1833) taught mathematics at the École centrale de Moulins and was the first to introduce mathematics to the field of economics. He was the first to have set up the theoretical framework which requires the necessary recourse to mathematics in the formalization of statements, making him the precursor of the Mathematical School. Analyzing the issue of tax incidence, he developed a highly innovative theory of value and a general theory of balance based on need and competition. Widely distributed throughout Europe, crowned by the National Institute in 1801, the book was nevertheless misunderstood by some of his French contemporaries, such as Say, Blanqui or Cournot, who reproached him for the use of mathematics and his critical attitude towards the justice of tax politics and systems, even if Cournot had to admit that Canard had constituted a starting point for his own research.
Literature and bibliography: Einaudi 830; Goldsmiths 18122; Kress B.4350; Menger 559; cf. also Theocharis, Early Developments in Mathematical Economics, London: Macmillan, 1989. - Visit our website to see more images!