I suggest to refer to Chapter (1), Part (2) "Why Shall We Study the 
History of Economics" of  the introduction of  J. A. Schumpeter: 
"History of Economic Analysis",1954, where the author provides four 
different reasons for "the study of the history of analytical work", 
partly without reference to economics, partly with special reference 
to economics. 
 
This is by itself a good application of the history of economic thought. 
 
Dieter 
 
 
----- Original Message ----- 
From: John Womack <[log in to unmask]> To: History of Economics Societies <[log in to unmask]> 
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2005 2:35 PM 
Subject: HES: QUERY--Why teach the history of error? 
 
 
> ----------------- HES POSTING ----------------- 
> I have heard here [Harvard] that economists in the Economics Department 
scoff at the history of economics in this question, "Why teach the history 
of error?" And, "Would they teach the history of medicine in the Med 
School?" That seems stupid to me, but these fellows are not stupid. How do 
you answer them? 
> 
> John Womack 
> 
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