----------------- HES POSTING ----------------- A researcher working in the field of agent-based computational economics (ACE) has asked for help identifying the appearance of the "economic agent" in the literature of economics. A subsequent exchange with the researcher suggests that the person is interested not only in the first appearance of the agent qua information processor (as in ACE) but also more generally in the introduction of the term "economic agent" in the literature. Naturally the question also lead us to ponder whether the "economic agent" is different than "homo economicus" or Adam Smith's butcher and brewer. Any suggestions? Ross Emmett ------------ FOOTER TO HES POSTING ------------ For information, send the message "info HES" to [log in to unmask]