History of Psychology

Key LMC2 researchers involved: S. Nicolas, I. Jambaqué
Grant: IUF Nicolas
Collaborations: ARIMEPS, D. Vobořil (Czech Academy of Sciences)

The fourth research area focuses on a historical approach to scientific psychology and the study of human memory, which has been developed within the laboratory for several years and contributes to its distinctive profile. The history of scientific psychology is a particularly important area of scholarship in the field of memory, notably through the influence of major French scholars (e.g., Ribot, Binet, Janet) on experimental psychology and the emergence of the pathological method in the study of memory (Nicolas & Piolino, 2010).

Building on previous research, the project conducted during the 2017–2022 period aimed to address a gap in the literature and highlight the richness of French scientific psychology. The origins of French scientific psychology had not previously been investigated in depth by historians. This period coincided with Serge Nicolas joining the Institut Universitaire de France (IUF) as a Senior Member (2016–2021) and with the development of the project submitted to this institution.

In the nineteenth century, psychology was considered by French academic philosophers to be a fundamental component of philosophical studies. It relied on the method of introspection, notably used by Cousin and Jouffroy. The “new” psychology that emerged at the end of the nineteenth century drew on new scientific methods. The aim was to trace in detail the emergence of French scientific psychology during the second half of the nineteenth century, as represented by Théodule Ribot, and to highlight the distinctive features of his approach in comparison with other major national psychological traditions, particularly those of Britain, the United States, and Germany.

Ribot’s influence and his pathological method were considerable in France, and can be seen in particular in Binet’s work on human memory. Alfred Binet was the main focus of research during the 2017–2022 reference period.

Alfred Binet introduced the graphic method and scientific instrumentation in France through his work at the Laboratory of Physiological Psychology at the Sorbonne. A major turning point for the “new psychology” at the end of the nineteenth century was indeed the introduction of new instruments and techniques into psychology laboratories. The aim was to bring his writings to wider attention through a reassessment of his psychological work, which went far beyond the development of his intelligence test between 1905 and 1911 in collaboration with Théodore Simon (Nicolas, 2022).

With this objective in mind, five years ago S. Nicolas embarked on the English translation of Binet’s scientific psychology writings, which is currently awaiting publication. Virtually unknown outside France, this body of work could, if the project is completed, lead to the publication of numerous volumes, including his major works from the 1894–1906 period, as well as collections of articles organized by theme (psychology of memory, psychology of testimony, remarkable memories, attention, sensations, etc.).

The richness of Binet’s writings provided a starting point: (1) for the historical study of specific themes (e.g., synesthesia and testimony), some of which resonate with research conducted within Research Area I and continue to be investigated today; and (2) for a comparative analysis of the development of psychology in the countries where the discipline was most advanced at the time, namely Germany and the United States.

S. Nicolas first began working on the German writings of Wundt, which, although little known in France, warrant detailed analysis. This work is expected to provide the basis for further developments in the future. In this context, several publications have focused on laboratory instruments (ergographs, dynamographs, aesthesiometers, spirometers, olfactometers, etc.), along with several exhibitions of scientific instruments, including the widely publicized exhibition held at the Museum of the History of Medicine in 2018 at the request of the University President (F. Dardel).

Finally, closely linked to this research area, a Museum of the History of Psychology was established in 2018 within the Institute of Psychology at the request of the Director of the Institute of Psychology and LMC2 member, I. Jambaqué, and was coordinated by S. Nicolas (Figure 12). I. Jambaqué and S. Nicolas traced the history of the Institute of Psychology, which was presented as part of the Institute’s centenary celebrations in 2021.

As part of the museum’s activities, numerous exhibitions were held between 2018 and 2022, focusing on major figures in psychology (Ribot, Binet, Wundt, Bernheim, Piéron, etc.). Some of these exhibitions were subsequently hosted by other universities, including the Ribot exhibition in Rennes and the Bernheim exhibition in Nancy.

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