ABSTRACT

In previous chapters we have depicted the emergence of a mercantilistic discourse in England and its successive development into a ‘general science of trade’. However, it is important to notice the international context of this achievement. Certainly, to a large extent the emergence and growth of this discourse relied upon discussions taking place elsewhere as well during this period. As today, ideas travelled fast. Towns like Amsterdam, Paris, London, Antwerp, Leghorn and Middleburgh-at least when peace reignedserved as exchange places for ideas as well as goods. Politicians from different countries spied on each other and looked with envy how other kings could afford to establish new manufactures in their lands and open up new international trade routes. Governmental policies of other countries were eagerly studied and new concepts of how to make the nation more rich and populous were scrutinised.