IX. Mathematical Ej^position of some Doctrines of 

 Political Economy. 



By W. WHEWELL, MA. F.R.S. 



FELLOW AND TUTOR OP TRINITY COLLEGE. 



[[Read March 2 and li, 1829-] 



1. My object in this Paper, is to present in a mathematical 

 form some of the doctrines which have been delivered as part 

 of the science of Political Economy. I am aware that many 

 may at first conceive this to be a frivolous and unprofitable 

 kind of speculation, necessarily barren of any practical and 

 rational results. And this opinion would be undoubtedly true, 

 if it were intended to make mathematical calculations supply 

 the place of moral reasoning; or if it were maintained that we 

 could, by the nse of algebraical symbols, obtain any results of 

 a nature different from those which we can obtain otherwise. 

 It is not however with any such views that I now enter 

 upon the subject. But I hope in the course of the following 

 pages to make it appear, that some parts of this science of 

 Political Economy, may be presented in a more systematic and 

 connected form, and I would add, more simply and clearly, by 

 the use of mathematical language than without such help; and 

 that moreover to those accustomed to this language, they may 

 thus be rendered far more intelligible and accessible than they 

 are without it. I hope also to shew, that by this mode of investi- 



