Relationships between the Royal Society and the Académie des Sciences in the late eighteenth century

Abstract

Harmonious relations and scientific exchange between Britain and France in the eighteenth century were undermined by a succession of wars. Nevertheless, The Royal Society and the Paris Academy of Sciences succeeded in a fairly consistent exchange of scientific news and publications, with intermittent visits by scientists. Joseph Banks PRS claimed that the sciences were never at war. Election to honorary membership of the other society also helped strengthen relationships. A proposal for cooperation in the reform of weights and measures was halted in 1791 by political events in France.