The first scientific journal was Journal des Sçavans, published and edited by Denys de Sallo (1626–1669). The first issue appeared on January 5, 1665. It contained reviews of books, obituaries of famous men, experimental findings in chemistry and physics, and other general interest information. Publication was suspended following the thirteenth issue in March 1665.

Although the official reason for the suspension of the publication was that de Sallo was not submitting his proofs for official approval prior to publication, there is speculation that the real reason for the suspension was his criticism of the work of important people, papal policy, and the old orthodox views of science. It was reinstated in January 1666 and continued as a weekly publication until 1724.

The journal was then published on a monthly basis until the French Revolution in 1792. It was published briefly in 1797 under the title Journal des Savants. It began regular publication again in 1816 under the auspices of the Institut de France evolving as a general interest publication.