Books

First edition, in which Le Trosne sets out the main principles of Physiocratic doctrine: "I have shown in this work what is the origin of value and its influence on the revenues of and the prosperity of a nation. I have marked out the functions of money, the source and the effect of circulation. I have described the nature of the results of industry and commerce, their usefulness in relation to our wants, but their absolute sterility in relation to the increase of our wealth. From these truths I have deduced the unity of social interests and its conformity with the laws of justice" (Palgrave). The first part is a course of lectures on social order, including the discourse pronounced by Le Trosne demanding the acceptance of the arrêt of the 13th September 1774 relating to the free transportation of grain within France. The second part, L'Intérêt societé belongs to the strict field of economics. "It treats the economic questions with which it deals with a depth of view which it is impossible not to recognise" (Daire). Bound at rear is another Le Trosne work, Vues sur la justice criminelle, also published by Frères Debure in 1777. Three continuously paginated works together as issued, with a fourth work (see note), all bound in a single volume, octavo (198 x 121 mm). Contemporary French mottled calf, spine decorated gilt in compartments, red morocco label, all edges stained red, marbled endpapers. A fresh, crisp copy.