In the early 1920s, Edouard Lambert emerged as the leading figure in comparative law in France. His contribution was twofold: (1) replacing the traditional method of comparative statute law with a method capable of explaining the role of law in society, defined in terms of comparative case law, and (2) making the study of law a social science.

After having obtained his doctorate in law in Paris in 1893, Lambert joined the Lyon law faculty as a professor. Named director of the Khedive School of Law in Cairo in 1906, he left the following year because of a conflict with the British authorities in Cairo, which created a diplomatic incident between France and England. Upon his return to France, Lambert arranged [Page 909]for his Egyptian students ...