Les Français dans la vie scientifique russe (XVIIIe-XXe siècle) – FRASCIRU

The main target of this project is the establishment of a databank concerning French scientists and intellectuals in Russia and the realisation of a repertory of their publication in this country. The enquiry ends with the publication of archival documents associated with the synthesis of an international congress with specialists of Russian-french relations and specialists of European Academies. This project, which is thematic and chronological, is devised in three parts ; the first one goes from the foundation of the Russian imperial Academy of Sciences in 1725 to 1830, when the immigration and emigration became more strictly controlled. The second one, going from 1840 to 1917, depends on the conservation of the passports ; it allows a more quantitative approach of the French-russian cooperation. The XIXth century ends with the discovery of Russian civilisation ; a generation of specialists in Russian culture assumed the continuity of the contacts until the beginning of Stalin's reign. The last part starts with the beginning of the first five-year plan to the end of Khrushchev's time, when a lot of former members of the Academy, condemned and arrested at the end of the twenties, were rehabilitated, even if the chief of the Kremlin wanted to close this institution. Several subjects are orienting this long inquiry : the history of the first contacts, the cultural contribution of French in Russia, the analysis of their familiar and professional circle, their position in the international science through their integration in the Russian Academy, and also the practice of French language in the East. The Academy was controlling the level of French-speaking immigrants, who wanted to teach this language, and also the work of schools hold by Frenchmen. The immigration was determined by the material and financial conditions offered by the Academy ; the general use of French after 1750 made the work in Russia easier. With the end of the XVIIIth century, the French begin to participate in the exploration of this country ; a century later, common scientific expeditions were stated and the result was the organisation of exhibitions, congresses and publications. The amelioration of the geographical, topographical and ethnological knowledge contributed to the industrialisation of Russia with the construction of railroads, roads and the electrification of large parts of the country in which Frenchmen massively participated. The technological acquisitions encouraged financial investments, mostly thanks the contribution of French scientists, who entertained important contacts with operators. Most of this Frenchmen left Russia after 1917. Scientifical contacts became rare, especially after Lenin's dead, and nearly disappeared with Stalin's purges. Only short trips were allowed, as for congresses or exhibitions. Nevertheless, specialists of Russian civilisation tried to maintain the contacts with their colleagues and encouraged the learning of French language and culture. After Stalin's death, the exchanges intensified again. The technological successes of the USSR gave it an exceptional reputation. The caution of French scientists preserved the Academy of the USSR from a definitive closure. This project is based on a close cooperation with historians, philologists and Russian archivists and has to contribute to an institutional approach between the 'Centre Roland Mousnier' and the 'Institute of universal history' of the Russian Academy of sciences.