I understand that this very prestigious body was set up by Cardinal Richeliu in 1665, and that being appointed to it is very desireable. You get to wear a spiffy uniform (and a sword)…but exactly what are your duties as an academician?
Can an American be a member?
I believe that the Academie’s main task is to maintain the French language. The organization publishes a dictionary which is the official word on the language. These days their struggle probably is against “franglais” and the intrusion of other such crummy foreign influences into the language.