[The body and the medical knowledge in the eighteenth century: an interview with Jean Abreu]

The history of science is a growing and well-recognized area in Brazil, however, medicine during the colonial period is not well covered by research. Aiming to address this subject, this interview was carried out with Professor Jean Luiz Neves Abreu, an important researcher of the history of medicine during the Luso-Brazilian Empire of the eighteenth century. By speaking of his personal career, his academic experience and his involvement with the subject, Professor Abreu clarifies theoretical and methodological aspects related to the history of health sciences. He highlights the potential of medical texts and manuals as a source and discusses means of accessibility and different sources that can allow new themes and objects to be reconsidered in this area of research.