This article analyzes the scientific activities of Brazilian naturalist João Barbosa Rodrigues and emphasizes his studies on Botany as far as the following aspects are concerned: natural History and Brazilian scientific policies from the second half of the nineteenth century on, the transformation of Barbosa Rodrigues from an amateur into a professional botanist, the relevant influence of Guilherme Schüch de Capanema as the patron of his career and his role in both national and international scientific scenario.
scientific patronage; nineteenth century; botany; Barbosa Rodrigues; baron of Capanema