Discourses on Salt and Iron

　　Yan Tie Lun (Discourses on Salt and Iron), written by Huan Kuan in the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD), was an important work on ancient China's economic policies, such as state control on salt and iron businesses.

　　The book was actually a record of a state conference on administrative and economic problems held in 81BC. At that time, officials and scholars were summoned by the emperor to discuss state policies. Huan Kuan took down their discussions out and put them in order.

　　The 60-chapter book is now one of the most important sources on the development of ironing technology and economic conditions during the Western Han Dynasty (206BC-8AD). The first 41 chapters were mainly the records of discussions on salt and iron policies held in 81BC, while the rest of the 19 chapters were mostly comments.

　　The book also recorded ancient Chinese scholars' discussion on the relationship between power and economy, agriculture and industry and commerce, production and consumption, and spirit and material. It not only serves as an important source for studying ancient Chinese economic thoughts, but also provides precious experiences for solving economic problems.