THE PESTILENCE THAT WALKETH IN DARKNESS - IMPERIAL HEALTH, GENDER AND IMAGES OF SOUTH-AFRICA C1880-1910

In exploring the relationship between the physical environment, human survival and cultural transformation, this paper brings together three themes in the history of development thought. It discusses the links between geography and imperial emigration from Britain during the years surrounding 1900. Reference is made to the ways in which theories of acclimatization were used to support a selective process of British overseas settlement in the interests of 'progress'. In the case of South Africa, attention focuses on climate's therapeutic role in the prospect of improved health. It is argued that within this region an essential part of human acclimatization was the creation of a landscape of social control. This involved harnessing modem science and technology together with the supposedly unique skills of women.