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I once heard him (2) discuss the topic of economy (3) after the following manner. Addressing Critobulus, (4) he said: Tell me, Critobulus, is "economy," like the words "medicine," "carpentry," "building," "smithying," "metal-working," and so forth, the name of a particular kind of knowledge or science?

(1) By "economist" we now generally understand "political economist,"

but the use of the word as referring to domestic economy, the

subject matter of the treatise, would seem to be legitimate.

(2) "The master."

(3) Lit. "the management of a household and estate." See Plat. "Rep."

407 B; Aristot. "Eth. N." v. 6; "Pol." i. 3.

(4) See "Mem." I. iii. 8; "Symp." p. 292.

Crit. Yes, I think so.

Soc. And as, in the case of the arts just named, we can state the proper work or function of each, can we (similarly) state the proper work and function of economy?

Crit. It must, I should think, be the business of the good economist (5) at any rate to manage his own house or estate well.

(5) Or, "manager of a house or estate."