Natural and Moral History of the Indies

days, embracing both things with this intent. In the first two books, what pertains to the heaven, the temperament, and the habitation of that globe is treated: those books I had first written in Latin, and now I have translated them, using more of the license of an Author than the obligation of an interpreter, to better accommodate those to whom it is written in the vernacular. In the other two following books, what appears notable in the Indies concerning the elements and natural mixtures, which are metals, plants, and animals, is treated. Regarding men and their deeds (I mean the Indians themselves, and their rites, customs, government, wars, and successes), the remaining books relate what could be ascertained and seems worthy of record. How the ancient successes and deeds of the Indians were known, not having writing as we do, will be told in the history itself, for it is no small part of their abilities to have been able and known how to preserve their antiquities without using or having any letters at all. The end of this work is that, through the knowledge of the natural works that the Author so wise in all nature has made, praise and glory be given to the Most High God, who is marvelous in all parts; and through the knowledge of the customs and specific things of the Indians, they may be helped to attain and remain in the grace of the high calling