It is quite clear that Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Louis XIV's chief accountant, was instrumental in bringing back the financial glory of France after the Fronde (1648 - 1653). Colbert had instituted a clear and complete the accounting structure for Louis that provided Louis with the financial information he needed to run his kingdom - including pocket size account books. Upon Colbert's sudden death in 1683, however, Louis chose not to replace Colbert or continue this formal accounting function. Why was this the case and what were the implications for Louis and for France?

Is it true that when kings traditionally spent money however they see fit, it must have been almost insulting to have to report and justify the spending?