Matthew Martin (merchant)

Matthew Martin (dates of birth and death unknown) was a prominent merchant and sometime director of the East India Company in the 18th century. Little is known definitively about his early life or personal affairs. He is best remembered for his writings on the British East India Company and its trade, specifically focusing on the financial and economic impacts of its operations.

Martin's most significant contribution lies in his detailed observations and analyses of the East India Company's finances and their effect on the British economy. He published several pamphlets and essays on the subject, arguing for greater scrutiny and regulation of the Company's activities. He was critical of what he perceived as the Company's mismanagement and the drain of silver from Britain to the East. His work provided valuable insights into the complex financial landscape of the time and helped to shape public opinion regarding the East India Company's role in British society.

Although not an economist in the modern sense, Martin’s writings demonstrate a keen understanding of mercantilist principles and the impact of trade on national wealth. His works are considered important primary sources for understanding the economic and political debates surrounding the East India Company during the 18th century. His insights into the complexities of international trade and finance provide valuable historical context for understanding the growth of the British Empire.