LACERDA y ALMEIDA, Francisco Jose de (lah-ther'-dah), Brazilian scholar, born in S. Paulo about 1750; died in Lunda, Africa, about 1798. He was graduated in mathematics in Coimbra in 1777, and was appointed a member of the commission to settle the question of boundaries with Spain in America. He ascended the Rio Negro to Marabitanas, and afterward Amazon and Madeira rivers, struggling with many difficulties, and being attacked by the Muros Indians, by whom he was dangerously wounded. He reached Matto-Grosso on 28 February, 1782, and immediately began the explorations of the Guapore and other rivers which are its tributaries. In 1786, accompanied by other scientific men, he explored Paraguay river and all its lakes and tributaries, reaching Albuquerque on 19 July. He returned to S. Paulo, 10 January, 1789, after other explorations, and while he was there preparing for the publication of his "Diario" an order came from Lisbon calling him to that city, where he landed, 21 September, 1790. He presented to the academy his journal and several maps and was elected a member. He afterward continued his work, which was highly praised, and the minister of the colonies sent him in 1797 to Mozambique on an exploring expedition across the continent of Africa, where he fell a victim to the climate. His assistant saved his notes and papers, which were published by his nephew.