Academic Economics in Holland 1800-1870

The present study is based on research largely pursued in Holland from December 1956 until July 1957. The inquiry is centered around the development of academic economics in Holland between 1800 and 1870. This period suggested itself as an appropriate unit of time though it became necessary to extend the specified period in certain parts of the study. Reasons for the temporal delimitation of the investigation will become apparent, as will the reasons for concentrating on academic economics. Financial assistance from the Rockefeller Foundation helped to make possible the field research carried out in The Netherlands. Most of the material incorporated into the study was found in the following Dutch libraries: Bibliotheek der Nederlandsche Econo­ mische Hoogeschool, Rotterdam; Economische-Historische Bi­ bliotheek, Amsterdam; Universiteitsbibliotheek van Amsterdam; Handels-Economische Bibliotheek, Amsterdam; and Koninklijke Bibliotheek, Den Haag. The study was greatly enhanced by suggestions and kind assistance from a number of librarians in charge of the above libraries. I further wish to acknowledge cooperation of Professors ]. H. Van Stuijvenberg, I. J. Brugmans, A. M. De J ong, P. Hennipman, G. M. Verrijn Stuart, and F. De Vries, who helped to direct my explorations when sources on Dutch economics were largely unfamiliar to me. Helpful advice and suggestions were supplied also by Drs. G. Koen, Drs. J oh. De Vries, and Drs. H. H. Behrens.