114 - [DUPONT DE NEMOURS, Pierre-Samuel]. On the Origin and Progress of a New Science.

[DUPONT DE NEMOURS, Pierre-Samuel]. On the Origin and Progress of a New Science. A rare first edition of this manifesto of Physiocratic thought, marking the birth of modern political economy. Printed in London and available in Paris, published by Desaint, 1768. In-8 (200 x 130 mm), fawn-colored half-basane with grain, smooth spine with title running lengthwise. Modern binding. 2 blank folios, 84 pp., 1 f.n.ch. (errata). Early restoration in the margin of folio Biv affecting a few letters (lines 8–15) but not affecting legibility. Discrete water stain in the corner starting on page 63. First edition. In this short treatise, Pierre-Samuel Dupont de Nemours (1739–1817), a leading figure in 18th-century economic thought, popularizes the physiocratic theories of François Quesnay. He demonstrates that the economy is governed by immutable natural laws, laying the foundations for free trade and individual property rights. This seminal text of the Enlightenment exerted immense influence and became the favorite reading guide of Europe’s enlightened monarchs, notably King Gustav III of Sweden. A fine copy.