Jean Cantillon was an 18th-century economist and a key figure in the development of economic theory. Born around 1680 in Ireland, he is best known for his work "Essai sur la Nature du Commerce en Général," published in 1755. In this book, Cantillon introduced concepts such as the role of entrepreneurs and the importance of land in economic production. Cantillon's ideas laid the groundwork for later economists, including Adam Smith and David Hume. He emphasized the interconnectedness of various economic factors and the significance of market dynamics. His contributions helped shape modern economic thought and the understanding of how economies function.