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Sir William Petty, 1623–87: Division of Labour and Surplus

In: A Concise History of Economic Thought

Author

Listed:
  • Gianni Vaggi

    (University of Pavia)

  • Peter Groenewegen

    (University of Sydney)

Abstract

Sir William Petty was of humble origins; the son of a clothier. At age 13 he went to sea, but, after a shipwreck on the French coast, studied for a while with the Jesuits in France. After serving in the Royal Navy, Petty went to Leiden and Paris, where he studied medicine (possibly with Hobbes). Back to Britain in 1646 he became a doctor of medicine at Oxford University in 1648. In 1650, he was appointed Professor of Anatomy. However, the following year he moved to London to take the Chair of Music at Gresham College. In 1651 he went to Ireland as medical officer to the English army, and there prepared a topographical survey of Irish lands to be allotted to English soldiers in Cromwell’s army. He himself ended up with a remarkably large estate, whose care and management engaged him for the rest of his life. In 1660–62 Petty was among the founding members of the Royal Society.

Suggested Citation

  • Gianni Vaggi & Peter Groenewegen, 2003. "Sir William Petty, 1623–87: Division of Labour and Surplus," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: A Concise History of Economic Thought, chapter 4, pages 29-36, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-0-230-50580-3_4
    DOI: 10.1057/9780230505803_4
    as

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