Valdés, José Manuel, 1767-1843

José Manuel Valdés (1767 – July 29, 1843) was a Peruvian physician, poet, philosopher, Latinist, and Parliamentarian. Eventually he became a prominent figure in Lima society at the dawn of the Republic of Peru. He was born a mulatto, having both Native American and African blood. Due to his dark skin color, he struggled against racist legislation that prohibited Valdes from continuing his primary education (which he received as a reward from the wealthy Spanish family her mother worked for) into his adolescent years. In 1801, he stunned Peruvians by declaring that cancer is not contagious. Although initially criticized, confirmation of his discovery in Europe brought him great respect, which otherwise would have been impossible to attain, given his racial status.