[1] In 1766 he edited Disertación histórico-político-legal para los Colegios y Gremios de la Ciudad de Barcelona (Historical-Political-Legal Dissertation for the Associations and Professions of Barcelona), in which he attempted to show the benefits of the professions for the improvement of public order, the laudable customs of the artisans, and the quality of manufactures in the city.
In this latter work he argued that the development of agriculture, industry and commerce was needed to move Spain out of its current state of decadence.
In a passage later quoted by other authors, he said: People no longer try to buy sturdy, heavy clothes that can be passed on to their great-grandchildren.
In addition to functioning as a court of last resort, the Audiencia oidores also exercised important legislative and executive powers in the government of New Spain.
[1] Soon after his arrival in Mexico City, he worked on a project for the cultivation of flax and hemp, apparently at the request of the Minister of the Indies, José de Gálvez.
Romá y Rosell served as interim governor of the colony from early April to late August 1779.
Twelve days before he turned over the office to Martín de Mayorga, news was received in Mexico City of Spain's declaration of war against Britain.
Romá y Rosell had been chosen by José de Gálvez, secretary of the Council of the Indies, for two important tasks.