The Representative Firm

摘要: The Marshallian conception of a Representative Firm has always been somewhat unsubstantial notion. Conceived as an afterthought — so far I am able to discover it does not figure at all in the first edition Principles lurks obscurer comers Book V like some pale visitant from world unborn waiting vain for comforts complete tangibility. Mr. Keynes remarked that, “this is quarter which my opinion Marshall analysis least and satisfactory where there remains most do,”1 others have lacking express similar opinions.2 himself makes singularly little use notion other writings and, save one or two instances,3 appear used much since his day. Nevertheless, way with ghosts, bids fair outlast many more virile creations. Not offering same surface attack, tends pass notice, though continuing indirectly influence thought, even raise up itself earthy tangible descendants. In certain recent discussions applied economics particular, its discernible. For this reason, sake intrinsic interest anything suggested by Marshall,4 seems worth while trying examine further.