Economisti del cinque e seicento

In the early seventeenth century a learned diplomat‑economist steps forward to confront the chaotic state of Italy’s money‑market. Writing to the Duke of Ferrara and other high officials, he explains how the relentless debasement of gold and silver has eroded trust, inflated prices and sparked unrest throughout Europe. His appeal is both practical and moral, urging rulers to see sound monetary policy as a public good rather than a private profit.

The work proposes a single, universally accepted standard for both metals, fixing their weight and value so that every transaction rests on a stable, transparent basis. By outlining concrete statutes—bands, edicts and regular inspections—the author hopes to curb the “pest” of ever‑shifting prices and restore confidence in trade. His prose blends scholarly argument with earnest pleading, inviting listeners to glimpse the early modern struggle for economic order and the timeless quest for fiscal fairness.