L’appropriation des savoirs dans le Journal du voyage de Siam (1687) de l’abbé de Choisy

Abstract

The article explores the Journal du voyage de Siam published in 1687 and written by Abbé de Choisy. Born out of a diplomatic and religious mission, this sea voyage to Siam began in 1685 and was an opportunity for de Choisy to mainly acquire new maritime and astronomical knowledge, but also to learn the Portuguese language. Adopting an epistolary framework and eager for information and details on everything he saw, de Choisy exposed his knowledge as a traveller obtained through experience and exchange with others. Showing an active and curious mind, the abbot’s eyes were opened to the civilisation of the Far East.

Keywords

• Siam
• sea voyage
• sociability
• Choisy (abbot of)
• religious orders