Science at the fringe of the French colonial world: the circulation of Jean-André Peyssonnel’s treatises on medicine and the natural history of Guadeloupe

Jean-André Peyssonnel, born in Marseille in 1694, was a physician who in 1720-1721 earned his spurs in the fight against the plague that ravaged his hometown. Fascinated by the sea and the work of fishermen, he turned in following years to the study of marine life. While conducting observational research along the coasts of the Provence and North Africa, he found evidence of the animal nature of coral. This controversial claim caused a heated debate with Réaumur, who blocked his career plans in France. Out of necessity Peyssonnel was forced to accept the post of “Médecin du Roi” in Guadeloupe. In this remote outpost of the French colonial empire, Peyssonnel continued his scientific activities. He received orders to fight a local outburst of leprosy, which resulted in a comprehensive study on the disease. In addition, he produced dozens of treatises on the natural history of the French Antilles, including volcanic, oceanographic, botanical and zoological studies. This contribution tells the story of these remarkable documents which, on their way to the learned world in Europe, passed through many hands. Spread over several intellectual centres – London, Paris, Marseille, Rouen, Bordeaux, Angers – these manuscripts shed a unique light on the circulation of knowledge in a Republic of Sciences turning global