I suppose that a graduate course dedicated to the works of Smith and Ricardo between historical bookends of Physiocracy and Karl Marx should come as no surprise from that era over a century ago when the history of economic ideas was firmly embedded in the theory taught to apprentice economists. But like Gay’s attempt to bring a deep reading of French and German economics (not in translation) into the curriculum in the previous year, Bullock’s course of was not met with an overwhelming demand.
________________________
Course Enrollment
1907-08
Economics 25 2hf. Professor Bullock — Adam Smith and Ricardo.
Total 6: 4 Graduates, 1 Senior, 1 Other.
Source: Harvard University. Report of the President of Harvard College, 1907-1908, p. 67.
________________________
ECONOMICS 25
ADAM SMITH AND RICARDO.
Year-end Examination, 1907-07
- Trace the development of the doctrine of rent in the writings of the Physiocrats, Smith, and Ricardo.
- What were the opinions of Smith and Ricardo concerning the measure of value?
- Discuss the fundamental doctrines of the Physiocrats and Smith concerning capital.
- Compare Marx’s theory of value with the theories of Smith and Ricardo.
- What are the fundamental contentions of Smith in his attack upon the Mercantilists?
- Compare the general doctrines of the Physiocrats, Smith, and Ricardo concerning the incidence of taxation.
- Compare Ricardo’s doctrine of foreign trade with that of Smith.
- What were the views of Smith and Ricardo concerning the effect of the increase of capital upon profits?
Source: Harvard University Archives. Harvard University, Examination Papers, 1873-1915. Box 8, Bound vol. Examination Papers 1908-09 (HUC 7000.25), p. 46.
Image Sources: Adam Smith by James Tassie in the National Galleries of Scotland. David Ricardo by William Holl Jr, after Thomas Phillips stipple engraving, published 1839 in the National Portrait Gallery.