It has been widely argued that Boisguillebert  
had the idea of general equilibrium as early as  
around 1700.  However, I do not know if he used  
the actual word "equilibre" or some close equivalent  
or not.  Nor can I say exactly where in his writings  
does one find the clearest statement that has led  
some to make the claim about him and the GE concept,  
which he may have been the first to enunciate in  
some form or other.  
  
Barkley Rosser