----------------- HES POSTING ----------------- Mill (Principals Book III, chapter II) seems to talk on the general idea, relating U = utility and D = demand, (with their relative weighting guided by issues of supply and information) in their impact on what a purchaser is willing to pay. He credits de Quincey "Logic of Political Economy." Smith also discusses the idea at least indirectly, in commenting on situations where the "natural price" does and does not hold. I'm sure others can discuss these in greater depth, but this should serve as a starting point. On the more general thought; is there, and if not, shouldn't there be, an internet site with the history of various terminology? Mike Robison ------------ FOOTER TO HES POSTING ------------ For information, send the message "info HES" to [log in to unmask]