The chemist Sebastião Betâmio de Almeida (1817-1864): between teaching, industrial activity and intervention in the Leiria pine forest

Abstract

The chemist Sebastião Betâmio de Almeida is an example of the already existing connection between science and economy in the 19th century. Almeida, like some of his contemporaries, followed the ideas of Saint-Simon, trying to create a closer relationship between his teachings at the Industrial Institutes of Porto and Lisbon, and his interventions in the Portuguese activities of agriculture, forestry and industry. He wrote studies about the soda economy and the glass and resin industries. A follower of a scientific base in the national industry, Betâmio de Almeida tried to start publishing the journal Technologia Chimica in 1853, aimed at the industrial community. Recognising his professional quality, the government named him for several commissions, such as a study trip to the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1855. The study of the personal and professional career of this chemist, as a case study, allows us to approach the 19th century Portuguese economy and society, namely in the following aspects: the scientific training that existed in the country; the contacts established between Portuguese scientists and their colleagues in other countries; the way those contacts were established, through internships in foreign countries and study visits favouring the exchange of ideas and technology transfer; the concerns that existed in Portugal related to the popularization of scientific and technological progress; the different ways scientists put their knowledge and experience to the service of agriculture, forest and industry development; and the intervention of these men in state structures.