#14. Philosophical Journeys, Portuguese Overseas c. 1783-1807

Abstract

In the second half of the eighteenth century, naturalists made a great inventory of nature and overseas peoples. Species were collected and brief descriptions written during the journeys, though the analysis and classifications depended on resources available in Natural History museums. Despite being planned, the production cycle of knowledge faced adverse scenarios with the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. The formation of collections and the publication of memoirs and books did not result in great ventures and their quantity was much lower than planned. Nonetheless, it is still worth investigating the intricate relationship between the production of knowledge and colonial administration. Was it more important for the Portuguese Crown to produce science or improve colonial exploitation in Brazil and Africa? Rarely did these objectives merge. In general, economic and administrative interests guided the travelers and interrupted “cycle of accumulation”, as studied by Bruno Latour.

About the speaker

• 2018 to present, Oxford University Press, Associate editor of Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Latin American History.
• 2015 to present Full Professor of History Department, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi-Brazil.

• 1997 to 2014 Associate Professor of History of Colonial Latin America, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói-Brazil.

Publications

• Nobrezas do Novo Mundo; Brasil e ultramar hispânico, século XVII e XVIII. 1. ed. Rio de Janeiro: 
Editora FGV, 2015. v. 1. 260p. Book review: https://doi.org/10.1215/00182168-4214396
• A era das conquistas. 1. ed. Rio de Janeiro: Editora FGV, 2013. v. 1. 154p. 

• FRANCA, J. M. ; RAMINELLI, R. J. . Andanças pelo Brasil Colonial (catálogo comentado) 1503­-1808. 1. ed. São Paulo: 
Editora UNESP, 2009. v. 1. 213p . 

• Viagens Ultramarinas; monarcas, vassalos e governo a distância. 1. ed. São Paulo: Alameda Casa 
Editorial, 2008. v. 1. 320p . 

• Imagens da Colonização: A Representação do Índio de Caminha a Vieira. 1. ed. Rio de Janeiro: Jorge Zahar Editor, 1996. v. 1. 200p.

CC Collection:18'19