The way credit was viewed during the XIXth century can be perceived through the debates in the House of Representatives which occurred when the laws on usury where voted in 1807 and 1850. The speeches and publications on this matter between 1800 and 1870 reflect a change in the perception of the various activities linked to money, at a time when the financial system structured itself. The moral rationale which led in 1807 to a law tends to disappear in mid-century, leaving place to social and economic considerations more in favour of the development of banking activities and their social acceptance.