Quina, o ouro em casca dos Andes: circulação de conhecimento e imperialismo ecológico

Abstract

Biological transits, a phenomenon that became increasingly common and widespread since human migrations during the Paleolithic era, have been central agents of political, social, and economic transformations. From the 17th century onwards, Quinas (Cinchonas) trees were integrated into this context, known for their fever-reducing properties. The monopoly on the exploitation of their bark, initially under Spanish control, led to intensive harvesting, resulting in the depletion of wild populations. With the independence of the Spanish colonies in the 19th century, other European nations seized the opportunity to investigate, transfer, and acclimate Cinchona trees, breaking away from the monopoly. This research aims to construct a historiographical narrative that highlights the role of these trees in the connection between imperialism and the domination of colonial nature in the 19th century. We conclude from this research that the relationship between science, the circulation of knowledge, and the mastery of nature was closely tied to the colonial exploitation and control projects led by imperial powers. The sources used include memoirs, scientific articles, epistolary archives, travel diaries, and scientific books, each contributing to the understanding of the issues addressed.