In 2015, we launched a program with the aim of preserving the scientific heritage of our laboratory, which entails conserving and showcasing historical documents and objects. Within this program, we offer internships that integrate history and science. One such internship focuses on utilizing modern optical design software to comprehend historical optical devices such as Charles F´ery’s spectrophotometer from the 1910s. This approach illustrates how contemporary tools can illuminate the origins of scientific knowledge