The social factors affecting the diffusion of parasitology to Puerto Rico and Hong Kong

ABSTRACT

This study seeks to understand the role played by social factors in the diffusion of parasitology to Puerto Rico, in particular those affecting the work of Bailey K. Ashford between 1898-1934. Most studies of Ashford to date focus mainly on the intellectual framework per se, and rarely on the surrounding social environment. In order to achieve this aim, Ashford's experiences were contrasted to those of Patrick Manson in Hong Kong and China between 1866 and 1889. By undertaking this comparative approach, it became clear that social factors more significantly affected the advancement on their respective investigations than intellectual ones. Manson simply did not have the political and financial support needed to develop his work, hence greatly delaying the establishment of a research institute in Hong Kong, or China for that matter. By contrast, Ashford achieved a great deal of popular and congressional support, thereby enabling him to establish a research institution early in the century. Relevant social factors included cultural differences, their history of colonial relations and the local economy.