El Campesino Puertorriqueñosus Condiciones Físicas, Intelectuales Y Morales, Causas Que La Determinan Y Medios Para Mejorarlas

A sociological and medical study written in the late 19th century. The work examines the physical, intellectual, and moral conditions of Puerto Rican peasants, exploring the causes that determine these states and suggesting ways to improve their circumstances. It addresses the social challenges faced by rural communities, shedding light on their agricultural lifestyle and the impact of their environment on their health and wellbeing. The opening of the text includes a preamble where the author explains the motivation behind his study, indicating a personal connection to the topic. Del Valle Atiles outlines the scope of his work, underscoring the importance of understanding the conditions affecting Puerto Rican peasants—referred to as ''jíbaro''—and their families. He emphasizes the need for a thorough examination of their physical and moral states, informed by both ethnological insights and statistical data, aiming to present an impartial evaluation that could lead to meaningful improvements for agricultural classes in Puerto Rico.