"In all homes, the moral comfort of science and of art": the Revista Nacional de Educação and scientific dissemination in Brazil (1932-34)

Abstract

Between 1932 and 1934, the journal Revista Nacional de Educação was published by Rio de Janeiro's National Museum, under the auspices of hte Brazilian Ministry of Education and Public Health and under the direction of Roquette-Pinto. Its main goal was to disseminate information on science, history, and art among a wide-ranging Brazilian public. The articles were written by the intellectuals of the day, many of whom were scientists at the Museu Nacional. The Revista also published translations of excerpts by a number of travelers. Every issue was published at a low cost, with a significant number of copies. The journal was touted as the initiative of a renewed Republic, part of a broader strategy of inaugurating new relations between government and a population to be educated. It defined itself as "a spiritual milestone in the Brazilian nationality" in tune with the ideal of a State whose educational initiatives were meant to constitute a people and a nation.