[The foundation of the Paris Academy of Sciences in the political and scientific context].

Abstract

In 1666, the Paris Academy of Sciences was founded by Jean-Baptiste Colbert. This foundation had several political and scientific dimensions, which will be discussed in a synthetic way. The intellectual and scientific activity which took place in Paris in the first half of the seventeenth century will be presented from the point of view of its self-organization. The political intention and legitimation of this foundation will be discussed in the context of the interior and foreign policy of the French kingdom. The founding process, the structure, the beginnings and developments of academic activity, the progress of the institution in its definition and later structuration will be described. The belated birth, compared with similar institutions in Europe, will be commented.