The Academy of Sciences of Paris owes its origin to Colbert's plan to create a general academy. It also forms part of the lineage of diverse groups of scholars who, in the 17th Century, collected around a patron or a learned personality. Colbert chose a small group of scholars who met on 22 December 1666 in the King's library, then newly installed on the rue Vivienne in Paris, and thereafter held twice-weekly working meetings there. The first 30 years of the Academy's existence were relatively informal, since no statutes had as yet been laid down for the institution.

On 20 January 1699, Louis XIV gave the Company its first rules. The Academy received the title of Royal Academy of Sciences and was installed in the Louvre in Paris. Comprising 70 members, in the 18th Century it contributed to the scientific movement of its time through its publications and played a role as counsellor to those in power.

On 8 August 1793, the Convention abolished all the academies.

Two years later, on 22 August 1795, a National Institute of Sciences and Arts was put in place, bringing together the old academies of the sciences, literature and arts. The Institute's first class (physical sciences and mathematics) was the largest (66 members out of 144).

In 1805, the National Institute of Sciences and Arts was transferred to the old College of the four nations.

In 1816, the Academy of Sciences became autonomous, while forming part of the Institute of France ; the head of State remained its patron.

In 1835, under the influence of François Arago, the Comptes rendus of the Academy of Sciences were created, which became an instrument of primary importance for the diffusion of French and foreign scientific works.

At the beginning of the 20th Century, the Academy witnessed a decline in activity and influence, already triggered by demographic causes. In the face of the accelerated development of scientific research in France, in order to remain faithful to its vocation, the Academy had to adapt its structures and its missions. It recently embarked upon a far-reaching reform of its statutes, concerning its membership as much as its missions. The first part of this reform, approved by decree on 2 May 2002 (Official Journal no. 104 of 4 May 2002), permitted the election of 26 new members in 2002 and in 2003. The second part of the reform was approved by the decree of 31 January 2003 (Official Journal no. 28 of 2 February 2003).