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[ISNARD, Achylle Nicolas (1749-1803)]. Traité des richesses, contenant l'analyse de l'usage des richesse en général & de leurs valeurs... London and Lausanne: François Grasset, 1781.
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[ISNARD, Achylle Nicolas (1749-1803)]. Traité des richesses, contenant l'analyse de l'usage des richesse en général & de leurs valeurs... London and Lausanne: François Grasset, 1781.
2 volumes, 8o. Contemporary French mottled calf, spines gilt (minor rubbing at edges); quarter morocco folding case. Provenance: Domus Burdigalet Soc. Jes. (stamp on titles).
EXTREMELY RARE FIRST EDITION of "one of the most important contributions in the history of the development of mathematical economics" (Theocharis, Early Developments in Mathematical Economics, p. 62). "Isnard's Traité is a highly original work, despite the fact that its theoretic core is embedded in otherwise unexceptional arguments against physiocratic doctrines. By this fact, we may infer that Isnard knew the physiocratic literature, but we can only speculate on his acquaintance with other writers. Given his background and training (as an engineer at the École des Ponts et Chaussies), the authors he would have most likely known are Boisguilbert and Vauban. Boisguilbert certainly had a vision of an interconnected economy and of a kind of general equilibrium, although he failed to render his conception concrete by erecting any kind of formal, theoretic structure of a mathematical nature. Isnard, on the other hand, was the first writer to attempt a mathematical definition and a mathematical proof of an economic equilibrium. Furthermore, he gave specific form to the general equilibrium concept by constructing a set of simultaneous equations which, in general form and content, anticipated the major elements of the Walrasian system, including the general interdependence of markets and quantities, the technical specifications of the exchange ratios, and the mathematical determination of the numéraire. It remained for Walras to add the engine of utility maximization and to adapt Isnard's model to his own purposes, something which, according to Jaffé, he did with persistence, if not with ease. Isnard's pioneer efforts do not in any way denigrate Walras's monumental achievement, but they do lend force to the conviction that the development of economics was, and remains, a cumulative process.'The scope and sweep of his analysis unquestionably entitle Isnard to a position of prominence in the history of economic thought. Yet appropriate recognition took a long time. Isnard (1749-1803) was simply a brilliant pioneer who wrote ahead of his time, and like so many other semi-tragic heroes of economic analysis (e.g. Cournot and Gossen), he failed to receive his due until long after departing the scene" (The New Palgrave, ii, 1004 ff). Einaudi 2994; Goldsmiths' 12121; INED 2322; Kress B.374. (2)
2 volumes, 8
EXTREMELY RARE FIRST EDITION of "one of the most important contributions in the history of the development of mathematical economics" (Theocharis, Early Developments in Mathematical Economics, p. 62). "Isnard's Traité is a highly original work, despite the fact that its theoretic core is embedded in otherwise unexceptional arguments against physiocratic doctrines. By this fact, we may infer that Isnard knew the physiocratic literature, but we can only speculate on his acquaintance with other writers. Given his background and training (as an engineer at the École des Ponts et Chaussies), the authors he would have most likely known are Boisguilbert and Vauban. Boisguilbert certainly had a vision of an interconnected economy and of a kind of general equilibrium, although he failed to render his conception concrete by erecting any kind of formal, theoretic structure of a mathematical nature. Isnard, on the other hand, was the first writer to attempt a mathematical definition and a mathematical proof of an economic equilibrium. Furthermore, he gave specific form to the general equilibrium concept by constructing a set of simultaneous equations which, in general form and content, anticipated the major elements of the Walrasian system, including the general interdependence of markets and quantities, the technical specifications of the exchange ratios, and the mathematical determination of the numéraire. It remained for Walras to add the engine of utility maximization and to adapt Isnard's model to his own purposes, something which, according to Jaffé, he did with persistence, if not with ease. Isnard's pioneer efforts do not in any way denigrate Walras's monumental achievement, but they do lend force to the conviction that the development of economics was, and remains, a cumulative process.'The scope and sweep of his analysis unquestionably entitle Isnard to a position of prominence in the history of economic thought. Yet appropriate recognition took a long time. Isnard (1749-1803) was simply a brilliant pioneer who wrote ahead of his time, and like so many other semi-tragic heroes of economic analysis (e.g. Cournot and Gossen), he failed to receive his due until long after departing the scene" (The New Palgrave, ii, 1004 ff). Einaudi 2994; Goldsmiths' 12121; INED 2322; Kress B.374. (2)