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The article discusses the history of the prestigious French society Académie des Inscriptions et Belles Lettres, with particular focus given to its role during the era of great scientific expeditions in the African and Asian continents. The author mentions the names of prominent historical members Barbier de Meynard, Ernest Hamy, and August Barth, among many others, as well as sister institutions such as the prestigious Institut de France. Ensuing is a description of various expeditions including the ones by Ernest Beulé to Benghazi (1862), Botta to Ethiopia (1845), and Ernest Renan to Lebanon and Palestine (1860-1861).

The article presents a speech by Jean Leclant of the prestigious Académie des inscriptions et belles-lettres welcoming the members of the Académie des sciences d'outre-mer, and mentioning the names of Gilbert Mangin and Jacques Serre. The speech was delivered on October 24, 2008 in front of members from both academies, and marked the high point of a joint symposium.