| Abstract: | This article discusses the scientific relations between Sweden and France in the 18th century and how the Swedes had access to the new international scientific community that was building up with the new science academies. Contemporary honours accorded to the Swedes indicate who acquired entrance to the European scientific elite and why. International recognition was often tied to personal relations, patrons and foreign travels. P.‐L. M. de Maupertuis' expedition to the Arctic Circle in 1736–1737 was an influential event. But also other Swedes than the academy elite were present in French translations. A common denominator behind the interest accorded to both groups often seems to be related to the northernness of Sweden as a unique place for performing experiments and observations. New explanations (apart from the often appealling exoticism) are sought from the experimental and encyclopedistic nature of 18th‐century science and the implications of the widespread climate discource. |
