Manuel de Arruda Câmara

Manuel de Arruda Câmara (Pombal, Paraíba, 1752 - Goiana, Pernambuco 2 October 1810), was a Brazilian religious leader, scientist, physician and intellectual. Câmara made advances in botanical studies in the late 18th century, but is more notable for his political career.

Câmara was educated at the University of Coimbra, in Portugal, where he majored in Natural Philosophy. He received his doctorate in medicine from the University of Montpellier, in France. Câmara later participated in natural surveys and observed mineral deposits throughout the Northeast. From 1797 to 1799, Câmara travelled the states of Paraíba and Ceará via the São Francisco River. After observing the poverty of the inhabitants, Câmara became established in his political career. Câmara notably participated in the Revolt of the Suassunnas in 1801, after establishing the liberal Academy of Itambé. After the revolt failed, Câmara went into hiding, and the academy was closed in 1802.

References

* [http://www2.aplpb.com.br/academicos/cadeira02.htm Biography of Câmara] ]