Economist, contrôleur général des finances (1774-76). Frequented the salon of Madame Helvétius. Wrote the famous epigram in honor of his friend, Franklin: “Eripuit coelo fulmen sceptrumque tyrannis.”

Destined for the Church at a young age. Elected prieur du Sorbonne (1749-51). Substitut du procureur général (1752), conseiller to the Paris Parliament (1752), and maître des requêtes (1753).

Wrote several articles for the Encyclopédie. Intendant of Limoges (1761) where he instituted several economic reforms. Published Réflexions sur la formation et la distribution des richesses (1766), in which he established the principles of political economy.

Named Secrétaire d’Etat de la Marine (1774), and one month later contrôleur général des finances. Created the Caisse d’Escompte (1776) before he was removed from his post.

Born in Paris.