2015RePEc: Research Papers in EconomicsOpen access

Heckscher on the slow monetization of Sweden and his incidental refutation of Jevons and Menger

Klas Fregert

Open full text 0 citations

Abstract

Eli F. Heckscher found that in 16'th century Sweden: 1) indirect barter was the most common exchange method and 2) monetary exchange was carried out with different coins, none a generally accepted medium of exchange. These findings refute models of the emergence of money, which builds on Jevons and Menger. Heckscher and later Wesley C. Mitchell thought the historical evolution of the exchange system would be a central theme and organizing principle for economic history, which has not happened. I discuss how the ideas of Heckscher may be combined with modern monetary theory to explain gradual monetization.

Open-access reader

About this research paper

What this paper is about

Eli F. Heckscher found that in 16'th century Sweden: 1) indirect barter was the most common exchange method and 2) monetary exchange was carried out with different coins, none a generally accepted medium of exchange. These findings refute models of the emergence of money, which builds on Jevons and Menger. Heckscher and later Wesley C. Mitchell thought the historical evolution of the exchange system would be a central theme and organizing principle for economic history, which has not happened. I discuss how the ideas of Heckscher may be combined with modern monetary theory to explain gradual monetization.

Why it matters

A significance statement is not available in the OpenAlex record.

Key contribution

A contribution statement is not available in the OpenAlex record.

Method / approach

Method details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Main findings

Findings are not separately available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Limitations

Limitations are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Applications

Application details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Available abstract

Eli F. Heckscher found that in 16'th century Sweden: 1) indirect barter was the most common exchange method and 2) monetary exchange was carried out with different coins, none a generally accepted medium of exchange. These findings refute models of the emergence of money, which builds on Jevons and Menger. Heckscher and later Wesley C. Mitchell thought the historical evolution of the exchange system would be a central theme and organizing principle for economic history, which has not happened. I discuss how the ideas of Heckscher may be combined with modern monetary theory to explain gradual monetization.

Key concepts: Monetization, Barter, Economics, Theme (computing), Keynesian economics, Neoclassical economics, Positive economics, Macroeconomics

Related papers

Back to paper searchBrowse research topicsOriginal source
Heckscher on the slow monetization of Sweden and his incidental refutation of Jevons and Menger — Research Paper | ScholarLens