William Petty, born in 1623, operated at the intersection of medical practice, administrative surveying, and early statistical analysis. His career spanned service to the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell, continued engagement through the Restoration under Charles II and James II, and significant contributions to the development of political arithmetic, a precursor to modern economic and sociological study.
Academic Foundations and Early Career
Educated at the University of Caen Normandy and the University of Oxford, Petty moved through diverse roles, serving as an anatomy instructor at Brasenose College and Gresham Professor of Music in London. His medical reputation grew after he helped treat Anne Greene, who had survived a hanging. By 1651, he was established within the Oxford Philosophical Club, though his skepticism toward conventional university structures eventually redirected his focus.
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In 1652, Petty joined Oliver Cromwell's army in Ireland as physician-general. He secured a massive contract in 1654 to conduct the Down Survey, an effort to map land for redistribution to creditors of the army. Completing this in 1656, he acquired significant landholdings in County Kerry, specifically the baronies of Iveragh, Glanarought, and Dunkerron. His wealth and influence in Ireland triggered years of legal challenges involving allegations of bribery and breach of trust.
Political Arithmetic and Economic Philosophy
Petty shifted from the physical sciences to the social sciences, coining the term political arithmetic to describe his quantitative approach to state policy. His notable works, including Treatise of Taxes and Contributions and Reflections upon Ireland, reflected this interest in measuring the economic potential of a nation. He served as a Member of Parliament for West Looe in England and later represented Inistioge in the Irish Parliament.
Scientific Interests and Later Life
A charter member of the Royal Society, Petty maintained a lifelong interest in invention and naval architecture, notably advocating for double-hulled vessels. He founded the Dublin Society in 1682. Following his return to London in 1685, he continued his work until his death in 1687. He was buried at Romsey Abbey, leaving behind an extensive legacy in economic writing and property survey methodology.
Fast facts
- Born: 1623, Romsey
- Died: 1687, London
- Education: University of Caen Normandy, University of Oxford
- Key Publication: Treatise of Taxes and Contributions
- Membership: Royal Society
- Notable Mapping Project: The Down Survey
- Political Positions: Member of the Third Protectorate Parliament; MP in the Parliament of Ireland; MP in the Parliament of England
Questions readers ask
What is political arithmetic?
It refers to Petty's method of using statistical and numerical analysis to understand and propose solutions for the economic and social conditions of a country.
What happened to the lands he acquired in Ireland?
He acquired approximately 30,000 acres in Kenmare, though his possession of these lands was marred by persistent court cases regarding bribery and breach of trust until his death.
Achievements
- Notable work: Treatise of Taxes and Contributions
- Notable work: The Advice to Hartlib
- Notable work: Double Writing
- Notable work: The Economic Writings of Sir William Petty
- Held posts at University of Oxford
- Fields: economics and political arithmetic
