Early economic writings in XIX century China: the Maoyi tongzhi 貿易通志”

This article examines one of the earliest texts of the economic argument that circulated in the late Qing Empire. Posted in Canton in 1840, this short "Trade Treaty" was obtained only recently. This essay reconstructs the historical background of the first publication of Maoyi Tongzhi and its editorial history. It then examines its contents and offers a preliminary assessment of its spread among the readers of the late nineteenth century. This paper analyzes one of the earliest Western texts on economic matters to circulate in Late Imperial China. Published in Canton in the 1840s, this short "Treatise on Commerce" was untraceable until recently. Firstly this essay reconstructs the historical background of the publication of the editorial Maoyi Tongzhi and Its history. It then examines the contents and Gives a preliminary evaluation of Its circulation Among the late 19th century Chinese readers.

Questo articolo esamina una dei primi testi di argomento economico che circolarono nel tardo impero Qing. Pubblicato a Canton nel 1840, questo breve “Trattato sul commercio” è stato reperito solo recentemente. Questo saggio ricostruisce dapprima il retroscena storico della pubblicazione del Maoyi tongzhi e la sua vicenda editoriale. Esamina poi i suoi contenuti e propone una valutazione preliminare della sua diffusione fra i lettori della fine del diciannovesimo secolo. This paper analyses one of the earliest Western texts on economic matters to circulate in Late Imperial China. Published in Canton in 1840, this short “Treatise on Commerce” was untraceable until recently. This essay firstly reconstructs the historical background of the publication of the Maoyi tongzhi and its editorial history. It then examines the contents and gives a preliminary evaluation of its circulation among the late 19th century Chinese readers.