Science, imaginary and civilization in Couto de Magalhães

Abstract

Science in Brazil of the 19’s depended mostly on individuals that, whether by dilettantism or profession, had as their scientific subject the Brazilian territory. Many of those, considered as illustrated subjects, divided their time, as Couto de Magalhães did, between State and scientific activities. This paper analyses Couto de Magalhães scientific discourse based on his book O selvagem, published in 1876 and commissioned by the emperor D. Pedro II. That work expresses a nation ideal in which the Indian peoples play a leading roll, since it is by the use of their natural qualities and the appropriation of their knowledge that Brazil, as a civilized and integrated nation, could be built.