J. A. C. Brown: Early Economic Modelling and Applied Econometrics in the UK

Abstract This paper describes J. A. C. (Alan) Brown’s contribution to early economic modelling and applied econometrics in the UK. This involved pioneering work, including the early application of programmable computers to linear programming and optimal diets, demand analysis (including Engel curves and probit analysis), and large-scale economic modelling which integrates National Income accounting methods, input-output matrices, and demand projections. His joint book on the lognormal distribution, its application to a range of economic contexts, and associated estimation problems, written with John Aitchison, continues to be widely cited. His influence, through his undergraduate teaching and graduate supervision, is also shown to be of much value.