At a time when the learned public of Paris was increasingly captivated by the wonders of science and new discoveries, the publication of books and pamphlets became a means a choice for any “savant” to get the readers’ attention and, hopefully, gain recognition from the members of the Académie des Sciences. The story of Pierre-Joseph Buc’hoz (1731-1807), lawyer, physician and botanist and his quest for independence from the publishers and recognition from his peers affords a window into the world of publication and scientific authorship. Having published – mostly through his own means – more than 300 pamphlets and books, including 95 folio volumes, on various topics ranging from medicine, botany to zoology, Buc’hoz not only had to face the harsh financial, legal and material realities of publication, but also the rejection of the Académie, whose members accused him of simply copying the works of others. Were Buc’hoz’s works original? How and why did he publish on his own? How had the concepts of originality and plagiarism made their way into the discourse of scientific authorship in the 1780’s? Through the sad story of Buc’hoz and his battle against the Académiciens, his “sworn enemies”, this paper will help explore the forging of scientific authority and authorship in Enlightenment France.
