Richard Cantillon (1680-1734) was an important figure in the Physiocrat school of economics, and is acknowledged as a precursor of the Austrian school of economic thought.

His fame rests largely on a single, posthumously published work, Essai sur la nature du commerce en général (1755).

He was born in the town of Ballyheigue, County Kerry, Ireland, lived a considerable portion of his life in France, and died in London.