Centre International de Synthèse

Abstract

THE “Centre International de Synthese” of Paris is planning—and has already begun work on—three important vocabularies. The first is a vocabulary of the most important terms used by historians, jurists, sociologists, and economists. The second is a historical dictionary of science, considered in its relation to philosophy; it will deal with the mutual influence of philosophy and science throughout the historic periods. The third is a vocabulary which will analyse the more important scientific concepts of to-day, their origin and development, and may throw some light upon the various meanings frequently assigned to the same scientific term. The Centre International de Synthese was formed in 1925 with the object of coordinating researches in various branches of pure science. It is under the direction of M. Henri Berr, and it has among its members and associates many French and foreign savants, as well as some young and active investigators. It has four sections: (1) Synthese historique; (2) Histoire des Sciences; (3) Sciences de la Nature; and (4) Synthese generate. These meet weekly, in rotation, and the results of their discussions and labours are published in two periodicals, Revue de Synthese and Archeion (Archivio di Storia della Scienza). In addition, the Centre holds yearly international meetings (semaines), during which specialists in various branches of science describe recent advances in their respective fields.