ABSTRACT
As a systematic and specialized body of knowledge, the field of economics is no more than 200-250 years old. However, even prior to this period numerous scholars wrote on various economic issues, and explored some guiding principles relating to agriculture, manufacturing, trade and commerce, taxation, the economic role of the state, and other economic matters. One finds considerable discussion of topics such as voluntary exchange, barter, and the evolution of money, and it becomes evident that these scholars were aware of some of the fundamental economic notions, though the tradition of formal economic science evolved much later. Such early discussions are chiefly to be found in the writings of philosophers and men of practical affairs, almost invariably couched in a religious-teleological framework. There is a vast literature that provides evidence of discussions of economic issues by various scholars during the ancient times as well as the Middle Ages (see Lowry; Pribram; Schumpeter; and others).
