[ECONOMICS]. [ORTES, Giammaria (1713-1790]. Errori popolari intorno all’economia nazionale, considerati sulle presenti controversie fra i laici e i chierici, in ordine al possedimento de’ beni. [N.p.: n.p.] 1771.

[ECONOMICS]. [ORTES, Giammaria (1713-1790]. Errori popolari intorno all’economia nazionale, considerati sulle presenti controversie fra i laici e i chierici, in ordine al possedimento de’ beni. [N.p.: n.p.] 1771.

First edition, exceptionally rare. In the preface the author, ‘consciously a fervent supporter of the use of the mathematical method in economics […] makes a strong plea for the application of the mathematical method to economic analysis; such application does not simply mean counting, weighing and measuring but it implies that, before calculating, one must discover and understand “the reasons, the aims, the motives and the relations according to which those goods consumed by all can increase or diminish in the nations” ... The Errori Popolari itself is an attempt to treat certain economic questions by following the procedure of a geometric treatise. He sets down certain axioms or what he believes are “general truths, derived from immutable and necessary principles from which there is no derivation”, and to these he opposes some of what he thinks are popular errors. From these axioms he proceeds to particular cases which he investigates’ (Theocaris, Early Developments in mathematical economics (1983), p. 36). ABPC/RBH show no copies in auction records. Apparently a single copy held in US institutions (Harvard). Einaudi 4224; Higgs 6703 (unseen); not in Goldsmith’s or Kress.

Quarto (253 x 180mm). Without the initial blank (occasional light foxing, one or two insignificant stains. Modern quarter calf, marbled paper boards, flat spine gilt in compartments, red morocco lettering piece, edges sprinkled red.

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