Brazilian naturalia: actors, spaces and natural history practices in the in the global networks of scientific collecting in the first half of the 18th century.

• Grant number: 24/18616-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - History - History of Science
• Principal Investigator: Ermelinda Moutinho Pataca
• Grantee: Julianna Morcelli Oliveros
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Educação (FE). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Covering the first half of the 18th century, this research project aims to study natural history practices related to scientific collecting based on global communication and trade networks, through which countless samples of Brazilian nature circulated to different collections spread across the globe. This activity depended on the participation of multiple actors, with varied interests, and involved equally diverse spaces. In this process, nature itself represented distinct opportunities and assumed varied meanings, which were closely related to the aspirations of those involved in the many aspects of its articulation. Thus, this research aims to analyze the dynamics of scientific collecting, based on a broad but detailed approach, establishing connections and dialogues with global science studies. (AU)