Essai sur le commerce

The text offers a rare glimpse into the mind of an 18th‑century banker‑merchant who tried to turn everyday commerce into a systematic science. Drawing on his own experience in silk, wine, and banking, the author argues that land is the source of wealth and that human labour shapes it into food, clothing and other necessities. He also examines how early societies allocate property, noting that even nomadic groups must define limits to avoid endless disputes.

Although the original manuscript never reached a wide audience, its ideas circulated among French physiocrats and later caught the attention of Adam Smith and other pioneers of economic thought. The work blends practical observation with clear, almost conversational prose, making it accessible despite its age. Listeners will hear a foundational treatise that helped lay the groundwork for modern economics while still reflecting the concerns of its turbulent era.