A Discourse of Trade

Nicholas Barebon (1640 - 1698), who traded as Nicholas Barbon, was an English economist, physician and financial speculator. He is counted among the critics of mercantilism and was one of the first proponents of the free market. In the aftermath of the Great Fire of London, he also helped to pioneer fire insurance and was a leading player in the reconstruction work-although his buildings were planned and erected primarily for his own financial gain. During the later part of his life, Nicholas Barbon wrote extensively on economic theory. His pamphlets and books on political economy are considered important because of their innovative views on money, trade (especially free trade) and supply and demand. His works, especially A Discourse of Trade, influenced and drew praise from 20th-century economists such as John Maynard Keynes and Joseph Schumpeter.