PHYSICIANS, THE STATE AND PUBLIC HEALTH IN CHILE, 1881-1891

This study of public health policy in Chile uncovers some of the socia l tensions in that country during the 1880s, and illustrates the fragm entation of the Chilean elite prior to the Revolution of 1891. The Chi lean government's controversial and contested public health policies i mplied the increasing bureaucratic organisation and regulation of soci ety. The justifications offered for these policies by central governme nt officials reveal both the deep roots in Chilean politics of a power ful Executive, and the early linkage between the 'scientific discourse s' of medical professionals and the bureaucratic centralisation of sta te power.