Andre Reboucas

André Rebouças was a Brazilian engineer and abolitionist who was born in Cachoeira, Bahia, in 1838. He was the son of a mulatto lawyer and a white woman. He studied engineering at the Military School of Rio de Janeiro, graduating in 1858. He then traveled to Europe to learn more about physics and technology. He returned to Brazil in 1862 and worked as a military engineer in the Paraguayan War, where he developed a torpedo. He also designed and built several public works, such as roads, bridges, railways, and docks. He was a close friend of Emperor Pedro II and a supporter of the monarchy. He was also an active member of the abolitionist movement, along with other prominent figures such as Joaquim Nabuco and José do Patrocínio. He founded the Brazilian Society Against Slavery and wrote articles and pamphlets denouncing the evils of slavery. He celebrated the abolition of slavery in 1888, but was disappointed by the proclamation of the republic in 1889. He went into exile with the imperial family and settled in Funchal, Madeira, where he died in 1898. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of wireless communication and radio broadcasting, as he invented several devices that could transmit voice and telegraph signals without wires. He obtained patents for his inventions in Brazil and the United States, but he faced many difficulties and skepticism to develop and promote his work. He is now recognized as one of the most important Brazilian engineers and scientists, and has received many honors and tributes for his contributions. ¹