BOESNIER DE L'ORME (Paul). Of the spirit of economic... Lot 30
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BOESNIER DE L'ORME (Paul). Of the spirit of economic government. Paris, Delalain, 1775. In-8, marbled basane, smooth spine decorated, red title coin, red edges (contemporary binding).
INED, No. 549.
Very rare first edition of the main work of the author, one of the physiocrats precursors of Malthus.
The economist Boesnier de L'Orme (1724-1793), who was a private master of the Waters and Forests of the Generality of Orleans, gives a faithful summary of the doctrine of the school of Quesnay: property rights, agriculture as the source of all wealth, freedom of trade, etc.
We find in his book a conception of the economic optimum, perhaps the best expressed here than anywhere else: A people more or less numerous than its position allows, will not be as happy as it should be. ...] A people too numerous will be exposed to a lack of subsistence: a people that is not numerous enough, will lack the means that constitute strength and wealth. The happiness of the people therefore presupposes the middle ground between these two extremes; & it alone determines the only view worthy of an enlightened Government (p. 54) (cf. Alfred Sauvy, "Deux techniciens précurseurs de Malthus: Boesnier de L'Orme et Auxiron" in Population, 1955, no. 4, pp. 691-704).
Handwritten ex-libris on the title: ex-libris De Milly, accompanied by a glued butterfly bearing a woodcut coat of arms (18th century, blazon Azure with three fleurs-de-lis and peri stick in bar).
Freckles. Very restored binding.
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