Essai sur les monnoies, ou Réflexions sur le rapport entre l'argent et les denrées.

A Paris, Chez J.B. Coignard & De Bure, 1746. With numerous tables in the text, and 1 folding table. 2 parts in 1 volume. xxi, (3, approbation, privilège du Roi, Fautes à corriger dans la première partie; Fautes à corriger dans les Variations des Prix), 220 pp.; 188 pp. 4to. Contemporary marbled calf, spine gilt with raised bands, label with gilt lettering. Kress 4804; Goldsmiths 8235; Einaudi 1687; INED 1643; Stourm 42. First edition. Very interesting for the medieval history, giving details on money and extensive information on prices for various commodities, including cornprices, for the period 1202-1746. The Physiocrats used his work often and abundently for statistical details: 'Dupré de Saint Maur, leur guide habituel en matière de statistique .....' (Weulersse, ii, p. 622.)'This work would, perhaps, have been more properly placed along with works on prices. It is full of elaborate researches with respect to the value of money at different periods; and contains tables exhibiting the successive variations in the quantity of silver in the coins, and the prices of a great variety of commodities from the early part of the 13th down to near the middle of the 18th century. Dr. Smith has borne testimony to "the diligence and fidelity" with which M. de Saint Maur has formed his table of prices.' (McCulloch, p. 188). - A very fine copy.