This article analyzes the history of functions and roles of statistical data in the European states (specially France) during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The first statistical enquiries are irregular and are made for tax system, military or police forces. Enquiries progressively become more regular and more autonomous from the direct political needs, and they concerned more and more aspects of society : the "statistical eye" is wide open especially during the 19th century in Europe. This development is going together with the birth of social science during the end of the 19th century. French sociology is a good example of such story. The methodological, institutional and conceptual aspects of his history is closed to the history of statistical enquiries and statistical institutions.
Statistical Data; Sociology; Politics