Manufacturing in the metropolis: the dynamism and dynamics of Parisian industry at the mid-nineteenth century

Many studies have given rise to the common belief that industrial activity in Paris, France, was at a standstill in the first half of the 19th century. Such studies used inappropriate criteria such as mechanization, firm size, production for mass markets and the use of mineral fuels. Deconstruction of long-held beliefs and performance of industrial and occupational censuses showed that Parisian industry was actually very dynamic in the first half of the 19th century. An analysis of supply and demand factors was also made to demonstrate the dynamics of Parisian industry during that period.