Scholars and Literati at the “Mersenne” Academy (1635–1648)

In 1635, Marin Mersenne founded the Academia Parisiensis, also called the “Mersenne” Academy. The institution, though informal, pre gured the Academy of Sciences created by Colbert in 1666 (Pecker 2009). With this Academy, Mersenne’s aim was to provide a place where scholars could discuss ideas freely and passionately. It gathered many outstanding scholars around Mersenne and became the center of a network for the exchange of information (Applebaum 2003). Mersenne maintained an important correspondence with several French and foreign mathematicians and scientists. The members of the Academy included the most renowned scienti c personalities of the time and not just enlightened amateurs. Initially, the Mersenne Academy was held informally at the homes of its members. Then, due to Mersenne’s di culties travelling, meetings were held in his convent cell. Among the members of the institution, some never attended the sessions. Their participation in the Academy took place exclusively through correspondence, such as Pierre de Fermat or Christian Huygens (see below). Mersenne’s death in 1648 brought the Academy to an end. Jacques Le Pailleur took over until his death in 1654. The working of this latter academy remains little known (Goldstein and Cosandey 2005).