The Cobb-Douglas regression, a statistical technique developed to estimate what economists called a 'production function', was introduced in the late 1920s. For several years, only economist Paul Douglas and a few collaborators used the technique, while vigorously defending it against numerous critics. By the 1950s, however, several economists beyond Douglas's circle were using the technique, and by the 1970s, Douglas's regression, and more sophisticated procedures inspired by it, had become standard parts of the empirical economist's toolkit. This volume is the story of the Cobb-Douglas regression from its introduction to its acceptance as general-purpose research tool. The story intersects with the histories of several important empirical research programs in twentieth century economics, and vividly portrays the challenges of empirical economic research during that era. Fundamentally, this work represents a case study of how a controversial, innovative research tool comes to be wide
Five refereed articles, a conference report, and four essays reviewing recently published books comprise this volume in the series. Scholars of economics and business examine the poor laws in 19th-cen
The collection includes both refereed articles and review essays. The Chapters highlight research on the role of western economic advisors in China before the Communist Revolution (Paul Trescott), Jo
Research in the History of Economic Thought and Methodology is an annual research series which presents materials in two fields, both broadly considered: the history of economic thought and the metho
Research in the History of Economic Thought and Methodology is an annual research series which presents materials in two fields, both broadly considered: the history of economic thought and the metho
This year's volume includes an obituary for and a symposium on Warren J. Samuels, reviews of M. Rutherford's 2011 The Institutionalist Movement in American Economics, 1918-1947, six other review artic
This book contains refereed articles on: contrasting relational conceptions of the individual in recent economics; the development of Adam Smith's style of lecturing; a comparison of problems encounte
The collection includes refereed articles on topics in economic methodology and the history of economics, including Austrian economic methodology and Wesley Mitchell. Review essays on new publications
Volume 26B continues, in part, the important graduate career of F. Taylor Ostrander, notable the year spent at Oxford University. Among his tutors and professors were some of the leading faculty at Ox
