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Enlightenment Chemistry Translated by a Brazilian Man of Science in Lisbon

2012; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 59; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1179/174582312x13457672281786

1745-8234

Fernando J. Luna, Lorelaï Kury,

History of Science and Natural History

The Brazilian-born man of science Martim Francisco de Andrada (1775–1844) actively participated in some of the major publishing activities of the Portuguese Enlightenment, notably in the Arco do Cego printing house. For many Brazilians, technical and scientific activities provided a path to becoming part of the administrative system of the Portuguese Empire. This paper examines Andrada’s work as translator of Torbern Bergman’s book Sciagraphia Regni Mineralis, secundum principia proxima digesti, originally published in Latin in 1782 and soon translated into French. A comparison between the Portuguese and French editions allows us to understand the different ways in which translators intervened in texts. Martim Francisco established a dialogue both with Bergman and with his translators, Jean-André Mongez and Jean-Claude Delamétherie, in addition to the challenge of having to deal with the propositions set forward by the new pneumatic chemistry. We argue that the Brazilian translator’s main objective was to explore the possibilities of using the book as a teaching and fieldwork manual. From this perspective, the resulting translation gains significance when read at the confluence of these demands and intentions.