Zur Geschichte der englischen Volkswirthschaftslehre
 aus dem III. Bande der Abhandlungen der Königlich Sächsischen Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften

by Wilhelm Roscher

"Zur Geschichte der englischen Volkswirthschaftslehre" by Wilhelm Roscher is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The work delves into the development of English economic thought during significant periods in the 17th and 18th centuries, focusing particularly on the contributions of notable figures such as Hume, Adam Smith, Malthus, and Ricardo. It aims to explore the evolution of Nationalökonomie in England, highlighting how this body of knowledge emerged as a distinct and influential field. The opening of the book discusses the flourishing period for English economics from 1742 to 1823, describing it as a "golden age" characterized by the groundbreaking works of several key economists. Roscher outlines the interconnection between these thinkers, emphasizing their collective contributions to the discipline and the depth of their analyses. Furthermore, he contrasts this period with contemporary developments in English economics, suggesting that while there are competent scholars today, they have largely built upon rather than innovated from the foundational ideas set forth by their predecessors. In setting the historical context, Roscher also touches upon various economic dynamics, including the rural financial structures and social conditions that led to shifts in abundance and scarcity within the population.