Abstract

Subject of this essay is the question [is kameralismus a lost science?] In contrast to the transformation of energy from one to other forms, once developed solutions of social, economic or political problems are capable to work again in other historical situations with similar circumstances. Although the possible number of combinations of those problems is very great, we argue that the whole assemble of feasable solutions is limited.Kameralismus, which was a theoretical answer to particular historical problems in economy and society, has developed many important elements of modern economic thinking. With the purpose to increase the welfare of nations Kameralismus dealt with economic growth, full employment, stabilization of prices, economic freedom, a just distribution of incomes and economic security.It would be a mistake to identify Kameralismus and Protektionismus, most kameralistic theorists submitted protectionism only as one agent to increase the welfare, pursuing a surplus in the balance of payments. A particular issue of Kameralismus was the problem of saving, credit and investment. In similar historical situations - compared with the situation of the German Empire after the Thirty Years War - for example after the First World War or in the Great Depression of the thirties, similar solutions and similar theoretical approaches have been discussed. Therefore it was no accident that J. M. Jeynes devoted his [General Theory] to the Kameralists. Even for many problems of the underdeveloped countries Kameralismus may prepare fruitful answers. So Kameralismus is still alive