Abstract

CHIVALAN CARRILLO, Marco. Human Experimentation. Syphilis and pharmacopower in Guatemala City (1946-1948). Entrediversidades rev. cienc. soc. humanid. [online]. 2020, vol.7, n.2, pp.127-159.  Epub Feb 26, 2024. ISSN 2007-7610.  https://doi.org/10.31644/ed.v7.n2.2020.a05.

The experimentations on human bodies, to produce a prophylactic post-exposure drug for syphilis, which took place in Guatemala City (1946-1948), has been widely condemned by bioethical studies. However, this practice appears more complex when it is analyzed, for instance, as a “pharmacopower” device of corporeal production. In order to examine this complexity, this study combines epistemological perspectives to explore how the use of “anomalous” bodies, by this device, demonstrates a paradox in the production of the “complete human”. And, to disrupt this production, this study proposes a micropolitical alliance with those considered “anomalous.” Finally, the purpose of this study is to contribute to the understanding of the complexity of body production devices in Guatemala. The conclusions demonstrate the relevance of deepening and extending our understanding of the problem by drawing on diverse archival sources.

Keywords : pharmacopower; syphilis; human body; experimentation; Guatemala.