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.