On malaria and 'corruption': Medicine and local knowledge in Northwest Brazil (The Rondon Commission, 1907-1915)

Abstract

The article analyzes the medical knowledge on the northern State of Mato Grosso, in Brazil, produced by doctors of the Comissão Construtora de Linhas Telegráficas de Mato Grosso ao Amazonas, known as the Rondon Commission (1907-1915). In the early 20th century, this region was poorly known in geographical, anthropological and especially epidemiological aspects. The Commission should explore scientifically the places where the telegraph wire would be installed. Thus, the article highlights the role of local knowledge on the places visited by the Commission in the production of medical knowledge. We argue that the relationship between doctors and inhabitants have produced important and rich descriptions on epidemiological aspects and different beliefs about health, illness and healing practices among the populations, which impacted medical and sanitary actions of the Commission and the assembly of the infrastructure of telegraph wires.