Joseph Bertrand
L'Académie des sciences et les académiciens de 1666 à 1793
"L'Académie des sciences et les académiciens de 1666 à 1793" by Joseph Bertrand is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the formation, development, and influence of the Académie des sciences in France over the course of more than a century. It explores the contributions of its members and the evolution of scientific thought during a pivotal time in history, providing readers with insights into the personalities and ideas that shaped the institution. The opening of the work presents an overview of the objectives behind founding the Académie des sciences, originally proposed by Colbert in 1666. It discusses the Academy's early attempts to blend various fields of knowledge—including mathematics, physics, literature, and history—before eventually focusing more narrowly on scientific inquiries. Joseph Bertrand outlines the organizational structure established by the Académie and introduces some of its prominent members, highlighting their significant contributions to various scientific disciplines. This initial portion sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the ethical considerations and debates within the Academy, foreshadowing the complex dynamics that characterized scientific discovery in this era.