Adam Smith

Adam Smith is often thought of as the founder of modern economics. Relevant web resources include:

Short biograhical note (at Lucidcafé): This page provides a short description of Adam Smith's life.
Another short biographical note on Adam Smith (prepared by Digna Faber): This contains another short description of the life of Adam Smith and his role in founding the discipline of political economy.
An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (at McMaster University): This classic work suggests that specialization and division of labor is the ultimate source of economic growth.
A Theory of Moral Sentiments (at McMaster University): Adam Smith's other major work.