Books

First edition, in which Le Trosne sets out the main principles of Physiocratic doctrine. This was the final major work of the movement: "the last general manifesto of the pure physiocratic school, properly so called" (Lalor, p. 195). A French lawyer and economist, Le Trosne studied natural law philosophy with Pothier, planning to become a magistrate. He joined the Physiocrats in 1764 by publishing a book defending the free trade in grain and articles in the Ephémérides du citoyen and other journals, followed by the present work in 1777. The first part is a course of lectures on social order, the second a discourse pronounced by Le Trosne demanding the acceptance of the arrêt of 13 September 1774 relating to the free transportation of grain within France. The third part, l'Intérêt social belongs to the strict field of economics. Le Trosne emphasises the priority of the agricultural sector in the economy. He concludes the work "from these truths I have deduced the unity of social interests and its conformity with the laws of justice. The philosophers never cease to tell us that it is necessary to encourage cultivation. We must support industry and look on them as two sisters. Without doubt they are two sisters; but one an elder sister who supports the younger... Industry has to be supported, but this should not be by injuring either directly or indirectly the cultivation of the land which supports it" (translation given in Palgrave, pp. 597-8). Three continuously paginated works bound in a single vol., as issued, octavo (193 x 122 mm). Contemporary sheep, spine gilt in compartments with red label, marbled endpapers. Bound without half-title. Bound without half-title. Joints and extremities neatly restored, gilt retouched. Contents lightly toned, minor paper fault at fore edges of Y7-8 not affecting text. A very good copy. Einaudi 3358; Goldsmiths' 11539; INED 2879; Kress B.55; Mattioli 1966. John Joseph Lalor, Cyclopaedia of Political Science, Political Economy, and of the Political History of the United States, vol. III, 1888; Palgrave's Dictionary of Political Economy, v