The author reconstructs the academy's institutional life from its origin through the eighteenth century, using unpublished minutes and official records to describe its organization, meeting practices, sectional divisions, funding, and relations with government. He summarizes major scientific activities and the society's practical role in public questions, and offers concise biographical sketches of many members that note talents, temperaments, rivalries, and omissions in coverage. The narrative emphasizes procedural detail and documentary evidence, while maintaining a candid, restrained critical stance and explaining why certain sections or individuals receive more or less attention.