L'Académie des sciences et les académiciens de 1666 à 1793

This volume offers a concise yet vivid portrait of the French Academy of Sciences during its formative centuries, from its founding in 1666 through the upheavals of the Revolution. Drawing on unpublished minutes, official records, and contemporary journals, the author reconstructs the rhythm of the Academy’s meetings, the collaborative spirit among its scholars, and the steady flow of state support that underpinned their investigations.

Beyond institutional details, the work brings to life a diverse cast of scientists—renowned pioneers and lesser‑known contributors alike—revealing their personalities, ambitions, and occasional rivalries. Readers gain a clear sense of how these men and women balanced private curiosity with public duty, shaping the course of French scientific progress while navigating the political currents of their age.

The narrative remains balanced, offering honest appraisal without resorting to uncritical praise, and invites listeners to appreciate the human dimension behind the era’s great discoveries.