ABSTRACT
In the mid-nineteenth century Italian economists, following the path trodden by their English and French colleagues a few years earlier, began to feel the need to establish associations that would act as a forum for economic debates. These associations of economists were designed to act as an important tool for the spread of economics beyond the confines of the learned world. Contributions to this mission came not only from economists but also from a variety of social, professional and political figures. Thus in a historical perspective these associations also expressed an attempt to create a setting favourable to exchange of ideas and interaction with those in charge of the political and administrative affairs of the country.
