Compendium of the Natural and Civil History of Chile

XVIII

known how to compile, as a wise philosopher and as an erudite critic, everything that leads to providing a true idea of both Americas.

I must finally advise that the geographical map that accompanies this Compendium is the same one found in the version published in the year 1776. It is precise and exact, although constructed contrary to the common method of Geographers, as the East original: Oriente has been placed at the top. This was done because the Kingdom of Chile being excessively long from North original: Septentrion to South original: Mediodia, and excessively narrow from East original: Levante to West original: Poniente, a map of standard orientation would be very inconvenient for the people who must handle it. I wished to create another more extensive and detailed one, but as the necessary documents did not arrive in time, I have suspended its creation for now.

Let it be noted that if they as?pire to know America perfectly, they will do very well to consult this little work. (Note by the Translator).