Birth of the Academy of Sciences in Russia

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This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the historical factors that led to the emergence of modern science in the Russian Empire, with a particular focus on the establishment and development of the Academy of Sciences during the 18th and 19th centuries. Adopting an externalist approach to the History of Science, the study explores the interplay between religious, political, social, and intellectual elements and their impact on the evolution of science as a social institution, culminating in the establishment of the Academy of Sciences. The paper highlights the critical relationship between the State and scientific endeavours and sheds light on the transformative efforts of Peter the Great in modernising Russia. It also examines the Empire's cultural exchange with the West and the influential role played by foreign scientists in the nascent years of the Academy of Sciences. By delving into the complex interactions between the Russian cultural framework and scientific developments, this paper seeks to provide a general overview of the cultural context surrounding the institutionalization of scientific work in Russia. It serves as a guideline for future specialised research, offering insights into the multifaceted influences that shaped the growth and establishment of modern science in the Russian Empire.