[A premonitory vision of tourism for milliardaires by an intellectual traveller of the 19th century].

In 1824, the French scientific expedition organized aboard the frigate "La Coquille" discovered, in the middle of the Pacific, the island of Qualan in the Carolinian Archipelago. The pharmacist René-Primevère Lesson (1794-1849), who came on board as second health officer, explored this island, today known as Kosrae. From 1825 on he provided Europe with remarkable descriptions. To this day, the museum in Lelu, the island's capital, exhibits his publications translated into English as well as reproductions of his collected natural objects.