Journal de la société de 1789 - Nº I

At its heart, this early eighteenth‑century manifesto proposes a new “art social”: a science that would unite the disparate crafts of agriculture, commerce, law and education into a single system for increasing the happiness of peoples and nations. The writers argue that such a discipline can only thrive through the steady collaboration of many enlightened minds, reaching beyond borders to share discoveries and methods. Their vision is modestly practical, asking for a common method of work that can be refined and adopted by societies everywhere.

To give the idea concrete shape, the society outlines a five‑part journal that will publish thoughtful essays, reports on legislative experiments, and correspondence both within France and with foreign scholars. The first sections will dissect constitutional principles, public administration and fiscal policies, while later parts will record the successes and setbacks of local reforms. By presenting these material as a living archive rather than a mere news roundup, the publication hopes to steer public debate toward rational, nature‑based solutions for the common good.