Pesquisando o Maranhão colonial: manual de fontes manuscritas e paleografia

Abstract

Over time, many definitions have been applied to Paleography: an art, a discipline, a method, a technique, or a science. Its field is comprehensive and involves studies ranging from the evolution of writing, its characters, instruments and supports used, to its deciphering, reading and/or interpretation. Etymologically, paleography derives from the joining of two Greek words: palaios – which means ancient or primitive, and graphein – which means writing or script, resulting in ancient writing.

In this Manual, aimed primarily at future historians and researchers in related fields, we will address Paleography as a technical tool to aid in the critical interpretation of ancient manuscript documents. We also understand that Paleography is a science, since it involves specific procedures and methods, employed in a systematic and verifiable manner.

The product we are presenting here is the result of the thesis entitled "Pombaline Maranhão: Conflicts, Jurisdiction, and Authority in the Government of Joaquim de Melo e Póvoas (1761-1779)," which deals with the unfolding of conflicts observed in the relations between the governor and other royal agents – namely the auditor and the judge, as well as members of the local power, represented by the councilors. Particularly noteworthy among classic authors from Maranhão, the government of Melo e Póvoas is traditionally seen as the one that marks the beginning of the opulence and wealth of the captaincy, made possible not only by his actions, but also by the activities of the General Company of Commerce of Grão-Pará and Maranhão. Widely celebrated and praised in such works, the numerous conflicts that characterized the last years of his government were not addressed by the authors – a situation that contributed to a practically unanimous historical representation of him. Nephew of the influential Marquis of Pombal, Melo e Póvoas faced a serious political crisis after his uncle's dismissal, which occurred in 1777. The end of his government was marked by complaints and accusations, as well as the progressive decrease in his authority.