Magic Cure: Homeopoetics of Enchantment

Abstract

Regarding the comparative study between the Almanaque Brasileiro Garnier, produced by one of the last French branches in Rio de Janeiro, and the Almanach Hachette, edited by Librarie Hachette in Paris, we propose to gauge of the excellent cities, Paris and Rio de Janeiro, through the analysis of two publicities or ‘almanaquias’ concerning therapeutic treatments, Nutrigène and Pilules Pink, used to heal – in the popular microcosm involved in the mythical-poetic – the evils of modernity. The construction of such dreamlike places rooted in the popular tradition allows us to infer that the old natural treatments, such as the ‘garrafadas’, teas and herbs, now receive a modern apparel in which old packages or sacks are encapsulated and bottled, like Pilules Pink and Nutrigène, as some sort of “modernization” of the therapeutic and mystic principles of the popular balms of formerly.