Droz (1773-1850) was a French writer on ethics, political science and political economy. Like several other literary men of the time he obtained a post in the revenue office but from 1814 he devoted himself entirely to literature and became a contributor to various journals. His Essai sur l'art d'etre heureux was favourably received when it appeared in 1806 and by 1824 he obtained admission to the Academie francaise. This English language edition was published in America in 1832.