The Brazilian saltpeter mines in the 18th and 19th centuries

An historical approach in science teaching

Abstract

The exploitation of mines of saltpeter, the main component of gunpowder, was intensively stimulated in Brazil mostly in the 18th century. This paper presents a proposal for Science Teaching involving the History of Science, based on the exploitation of saltpeter during the 18th and 19th centuries in Brazil. It recommends the reading of original texts, written by people who took active part in the establishment of this national mining industry, aiming at understanding the context of its exploitation and production, paying special attention to chemical concepts present in the process. The paper also emphasizes the high interdisciplinary potential that the subject can have for science teaching.