Introduction

This chapter is set in Paris during the fin-de-siècle period 1880–1910. This was a time when Paris was increasingly recognized as the cultural capital of Europe. Moreover, Parisian institutions of higher learning had something of a fresh start of after the Franco-Prussian War, and this setting offers excellent opportunities for studying the Laboratory Revolution.

In the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, the French government and the elite discussed reasons for their defeat. The consensus was that Prussia had won primarily due to its superiority in science and technology. Accordingly, it was decided to upgrade the French educational system, especially in the sciences. The necessary resources were allocated, and money was poured into this national emergency. Existing institutions of higher education were revamped, especially with respect to research and science education. Novel institutions, meant to occupy the leading edge, were built. In short, public opinion was intent upon revenge and beating the Germans at their own game.

Easier said than done! In chemistry especially, Germany at that time led the world. And whereas French intellectuals boasted of their excellence in abstract thought and theory, French experimental science was weaker. The ruling elite were keenly aware of this blind spot and strove to remedy it, an instance of the Laboratory Revolution in a protracted mode.