The meaning of these terms has evolved in relation to the intellectual, social, and political context. Devised in the natural sciences, driven by a classificatory approach at the time, the term “race” is mobilized by anthropologists for the purpose of understanding human diversity. It circulates very early in different intellectual circles before becoming, under the pens of historians, philosophers and men of letters, a key to explain the history of societies. Race is defined as sharing a common origin, as well as intellectual and moral heritage. In a context of fierce rivalries between nations, the theme of their racial components and of their supposed superiority overwhelms scholars’ discourses.