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?

Did Colbert's sudden death make him lose a powerful tool though Colbert already suggested to him to implement accounting education at various levels in government?