William Petty
Sir William Petty (1623-1687) was a scientist and philosopher. Born as the son of Hampshire clothier, Petty held extensive holdings in Ireland due to association with Oliver Cromwell and Commonwealth. He was Member of Parliament briefly, being a scientist, inventor, entrepreneur, and was a charter member of the Royal Society. Knighted in 1661. He was the great-grandfather of William Petty Fitzmaurice.He is most well known for economic history and statistic writings, pre-Adam Smith.
