Diversão, doença e educação dos corpos na Comarca de Vila Rica (século XVIII)

Abstract

This paper aims to understand the processes of education of the bodies in the district of Vila Rica during the 18th century, based on relationship between entertainment and illness. We have chosen to research civil and ecclesiastical sources, contemplating the terrain of norms, as well as of contraventions, in addition to medical guides. Bad behaviour of the population in regard to the cleanliness of physical spaces and entertainment practices caused the bodies to become ill and demanded, improvement and regulation. Entertainment associated with excessive practices, especially among the humbler population, made up of slaves and convicts, was noxious because it impaired recovery for work, which was already wearing. Two sides of the same coin, entertainment and illness wore down the bodies, led to insubordination and punishment, required care, and were fought against.