On the trail of alexandre rodrigues ferreira's 'philosophical voyage': A brief history of its collections and their dissemination

Abstract

Alexandre Rodrigues Ferreira's 'philosophical voyage' is by far the most intense and profusely studied voyage by the Portuguese and Brazilian academic community. This article intends to take stock in relation to the history of the collection and the ways in which this valuable heritage was considered over time; and to highlight how, even today, it remains an important and valid collection for the most diverse scientific areas. Therefore, I propose, firstly, to make a situation report on the origins of this collection, considering texts and visual records (drawings, maps, natural specimens, herbariums, three-dimensional materials) and their multiple destinations; then, to understand how this heritage was disseminated and how the academic community and the society were gradually able to access texts and iconography, namely through publications, exhibitions, digital platforms; and, finally, to highlight the richness of a documentary set that continues to allow multiple readings and renewed views not only for historians, but also for scientists from the most diverse areas. Together, they play a notable role in the preservation and dissemination of a heritage that, for so long, was hidden, almost forgotten.