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Historia natural y moral de las Indias (vol. 1 of 2)

By José de Acosta
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Archaeology & AnthropologyEnvironmental IssuesHistory - AmericanHistory - Early Modern (c. 1450-1750)

About This Book

A compendium of observations gathered on transatlantic voyages that blends natural history with moral and social commentary. It surveys celestial phenomena, climate, soils, minerals, plants, animals, and magnetic and geographic curiosities, while documenting Indigenous rites, laws, governance, and warfare. Drawing on personal observation and reports from others, the author connects environment and resources to local customs and social organization, offers practical remarks for travelers and colonists, and reflects on the challenges of communicating new religious and ethical ideas amid cultural differences, using comparative reasoning to reconcile empirical detail with broader moral considerations.

About the Author

de Acosta, José portrait

José de Acosta

José de Acosta was a Spanish Jesuit missionary and naturalist, known for his significant contributions to the understanding of the New World during the late 16th century. His most notable work, "Historia natural y moral de las Indias," explores the geography, flora, fauna, and indigenous cultures of the Americas. Through his observations and analyses, Acosta provided a comprehensive account that blended natural history with moral philosophy, reflecting the complexities of colonial encounters. His writings are considered an important part of the early literature on the Americas, offering insights into the natural and cultural diversity of the region.

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