The distinguished surgeon Francisco Antônio de Sampaio and the plants of "his country" (vila de Cachoeira, Brazil, late eighteenth century).

Abstract

Francisco Antônio de Sampaio worked as a surgeon for over two decades in Cachoeira, in the captaincy of Bahia, Brazil. In this village, he produced writings on natural history, which he sent to the Lisbon Academy of Science, although he had no specific training in this area. This article analyzes his scientific output and healing practices, especially the uses and descriptions of local plants and his relationships with different agents, such as the "local commoners" and the naturalist and magistrate Joaquim de Amorim e Castro. His production of knowledge is interpreted here both from the perspective of the construction of scientific authority and through his interactions with local and metropolitan agents.