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Author: Acosta, José de, 1540-1600.
Title: The naturall and morall historie of the East and West Indies Intreating of the remarkable things of heaven, of the elements, mettalls, plants and beasts which are proper to that country: together with the manners, ceremonies, lawes, governments, and warres of the Indians. Written in Spanish by the R.F. Ioseph Acosta, and translated into English by E.G.
Series: Early English books online text creation partnership. Navigations series.
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Print source: The naturall and morall historie of the East and West Indies Intreating of the remarkable things of heaven, of the elements, mettalls, plants and beasts which are proper to that country: together with the manners, ceremonies, lawes, governments, and warres of the Indians. Written in Spanish by the R.F. Ioseph Acosta, and translated into English by E.G.
Acosta, José de, 1540-1600., Grimeston, Edward, attributed name.
London: Printed by Val: Sims for Edward Blount and William Aspley, 1604.
Alternate titles: Historia natural y moral de las Indias. English
URL: https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A22928.0001.001
How to cite: For suggestions on citing this text, please see Citing the TCP on the Text Creation Partnership website.

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title page
To the right Honorable Sir Robert Cicill Knight, Baron of Essingden, Vicount Cranborne, principall Secretary to his Maiestie, master of the Court of Wardes and Liveries, and one of his Highnesse most honourable Privie Counsell.
The Authors advertisement to the Reader.
A Table of the most remarkable things contained in this Naturall and Mo∣rall Historie of the Indies:
Errata.
THE FIRST BOOKE of the Naturall and Morall Historie of the East and West Indies.
Of the opinions of some Authors, which supposed that the Heavens did not extend to the new-found world. The first Chapter.
That the Heaven is round on all parts, mooving in his course of it selfe. CHAP. 2.
How the holy Scripture teacheth vs that the earth is in middest of the world. CHAP. 3.
Containing an answere to that which is obiected out of the holy Scripture, against the roundnes of the earth. CHAP. 4.
Of the fashion and forme of Heaven, at the new-found world. CHAP. 5.
That there is Land and Seavader the two Poles. CHAP. 6.
To confute the opinion of Lactantius, who holdes there be no Antipodes. CHAP. 7.
The reason why S. Augustine denied the Antipodes. CHAP. 8.
Of Aristotles opinion, touching the new Worlde, and what abused him to make him deny it. CHAP. 9.
That Plinie, and the auncients, held the same opinion with Aristotle. CHAP. 10.
That in ancient Bookes we finde some knowledge of this newe world. CHAP. 11.
Of the opinion which Plato held of the West Indies. CHAP. 12.
That some have held opinion that in places of holy Scrip∣ture, whereas they speake of Ophir, is to be vnderstood of our Peru. CHAP. 13.
What Tharsis and Ophir signifie in the holy Scripture. CHAP. 14.
Of the Prophecie of Abdias, which some doe interpret to be the Indies. CHAP. 15.
By what meanes the first men might come to the Indies, the which was not willingly, nor of set purpose. CHAP. 16.
Of the properties and admirable vertue of the Adamant stone for Navigation, whereof the Ancients had no knowledge. CHAP. 17.
Wherein an answere is made to them that say, that in times passed they have sayled through the Ocean, as at this day. CHAP. 18.
That we may coniecture, how the first Inhabitants of the Indies came thither by force of weather, and not wil∣lingly. CHAP. 19.
Notwithstanding all that hath bene said, it is more likely that the first inhabitants of the Indies, came by land. CHAP. 20.
By what meanes tame Beasts passed to the Indies. CHAP. 21.
That the linage of the Indies, hath not passed by the At∣lantike Iland, as some do imagine. CHAP. 22.
That the opinion of many which holde, that the first race of the Indians comes from the Iewes, is not true. CHAP. 23.
The reason why we can find no beginning of the Indians. CHAP. 24.
What the Indians report of their beginning. CHAP. 25.
THE SECOND BOOKE of the Naturall and Morall Hi∣storie of the Indies.
That it is not out of purpose, but necessarie to treate of the . CHAP. 1.
For what reason the Ancients held, that the burning Zone was inhabitable. CHAP. 2.
That the burning Zone is very moist, contrary to the o∣pinion of the Ancients. CHAP. 3.
That in the Regions which be without the Tropicks, there is greatest store of waters, whenas the Sunne is far∣thest off, contrary to that vnder the burning Zone. CHAP. 4.
That betwixt the two Tropicks, the greatest aboundance of raine is in Summer, with a discourse of Winter and Summer. CHAP. 5.
That the burning Zone abounds with waters and pa∣stures, against the opinion of Aristotle, who holds the contrarie. CHAP. 6.
Shewing the reason why the Sunne without the Tropicks, causeth greatest quantitie of waters when it is farthest off; and contrariwise, within them it breedeth most, when it is neerest. CHAP. 7.
How wee should vnderstand, that which hath been for∣merly spoken of the burning Zone. CHAP. 8.
That the Burning Zone is not violently hotte, but mode∣rate. CHAP. 9.
That the heat of the burning Zone is temperate, by reason of the rayne and the shortnes of the dayes. CHAP. 10.
That there be other reasons besides the former mentioned, which shew, that the burning Zone is temperate, espe∣cially alongst the Ocean. CHAP. 11.
That the highest landes are the coldest, and the reason thereof. CHAP. 12.
That the colde windes be the principall cause to make the burning Zone temperate. CHAH. 13.
That they which inhabite vnder the Equinoctiall, live a sweete and pleasant life. CHAP. 14.
An advertisement to the Reader.
THE THIRD BOOKE of the Naturall and Morall Hi∣storie of the Indies.
That the naturall Historie of the Indies, is pleasant and agreeable. CHAP. 1.
Of the windes, their differences, properties, and causes in generall. CHAP. 2.
Of certaine properties of windes which blowe at the new worlde. CHAP. 3.
That the burning Zone, the Brises, or Easterly windes, do continually blowe, and without the Zone the we∣sterne, and that the Easterly are ordinarie alwaies there. CHAP. 4.
Of the differences of the Brises or Easterne windes, and the Westerne, and likewise of other windes. CHAP. 5.
What is the reason why sailing vder the burning Zone, we finde alwayes Easterly windes? CHAP. 6.
Why without the Zone, in a greater altitude, wee finde al∣wayes westrly winds CHAP. 7.
Of the exceptions to the foresaid Rules, and of the Windes and Calmes both at Land and at Sea. CHAP. 8.
Of some mervellous effects of the windes, which are in some partes of the Indies. CHAP. 9.
Of the Ocean that invirons the Indies, and of the North and South Seas. CHAP. 10.
Of the Straight of Magellan, and how it was passed on the South side. CHAP. 11.
Of the Straight which some holde to be in Florida. CHAP. 12.
Of the properties of the Straight of Magellan. CHAP. 13.
Of the ebbing and flowing of the Indian Ocean. CHAP. 14.
Of sundry Fishers, and their maner of fishing at the Indies. CHAP. 15.
Of Lakes and Pooles that be at the Indies. CHAP. 16.
Of many and divers Springs and Fountaines. CHAP. 17.
Of Rivers. CHAP. 18.
Of the qualitie of the land at the Indies in generall. CHAP. 19.
Of the properties of the land of Peru. CHAP. 20.
The reason why it raines on the Lanos, along the Sea coast. CHAP. 21.
Of the propertie of new Spaine, of the Ilands, and of other Lands, CHAP. 22.
Of the vnknowne Land, and the diversitie of a whole day, betwixt them of the East and the West. CHAP. 23.
Of the Volcans or Vents of fire. CHAP. 24.
What should be the reason why the fire and smoake conti∣nues so long in these Vulcans? CHAP. 25.
Of Earthquakes. CHAP. 26.
How the land and sea imbrace one an other. CHAP. 27.
THE FOVRTH BOOKE of the Naturall and Morall Hi∣storie of the Indies.
Of three kindes of mixtures or compounds, of the which I must intreate in this Historie. CHAP. 1.
Of the aboundance and great quantitie of Mettall at the West Indies. CHAP. 2.
Of the qualitie and nature of the earth where the mettalls are found, and that all these mettalls are not imployed at the Indies, and how the Indians vsed them. CHAP. 3.
Of golde which they digge and refine at the Indies. CHAP. 4.
Of the Silver at the Indies. CHAP. 5.
Of the mountaine or hill of Potozi, and the discovery thereof. CHAP. 6.
Of the treasure which is daily drawne from the rocke or mountaine of Potozi. CHAP. 7.
How they labour in the mines of Potozi. CHAP. 8.
How they refine the Mettall of Silver CHAP. 9.
Of the wonderfull properties of Quicke-silver. CHAP. 10.
Of the place where they finde quicke-silver, and how they discovered these rich mines in Guanca∣vilca. CHAP. 11.
The maner how to drawe out Quicke-silver, and how they refine Silver. CHAP. 12.
Of their Engines to grinde the mettall, and of their triall of Silver. CHAP. 13.
Of Emeraldes. CHAP. 14.
Of Pearles. CHAP. 15.
Of the Indian Bread, and of Mays. CHAP. 16.
Of Yucas, Caçavi, Papas, Chunes, and Ris. CHAP. 17.
Of divers Rootes which growe at the Indies. CHAP. 18.
Of divers sortes of greene Hearbes, and Pulses, and of those they call Concombres, Pines, or Pine Apples, small fruites of Chille, and of Prunes. CHAP. 19
Of Axi or Indian Pepper. CHAP. 20.
Of the Plane tree. CHAP. 21.
Of Cacao and Coca. CHAP. 22.
Of Maguey, Tunal, Cochenille, Anir, and Cotton. CHAP. 23.
Of Mameys, Guayavos, and Paltos CHAP. 24.
Of Chicoçapote, Amonas, and Capollis. CHAP. 25.
Of many sortes of fruit Trees, of Cocos, Almondes, of the Andes, and Almonds of Chachapoyas. CHAP. 26.
Of many and diverse flowers, and of some trees which yeeld onely a flower, and how the Indians do vse them CHAP. 27.
Of Balme. CHAP. 28.
Of Amber, and other Oyles, Gums, and Drugges, which they bring from the Indies CHAP. 29.
Of great forrests at the Indies, of Cedars, of Ceivas, and other great trees. CHAP. 30.
Of Plants and fruits which have bin carried out of Spaine to the Indies. CHAP. 31.
Of grapes, vignes, olives, mulberies, and kanes of sugar. CHAP. 32.
Of Beasts bearing wooll, and of Kine. CHAP. 33.
Of some Beasts of Europe, which the Spaniardes found at the Indies, and how they should passe thither. CHAP. 34.
Of Fowles which are heere, and are at the Indies, and how they could passe thither. CHAP. 35.
How it spould be possible, that at the Indies there should be anie sortes of beasts, whereof the like are no where else. CHAP. 36.
Of Fowles that are proper to the Indies. CHAP. 37.
Of Beasts for the Chases. CHAP. 38.
Of Micos or Indian Monkies. CHAP. 39.
Of Vicugnes, and Tarugnes of Peru. CHAP. 40.
Of Pacos, Guanacos, and Indian Mutlons. CHAP. 41.
Of the BeZaars stone. CHAP. 42.
A Prologue to the Bookes following.
THE FIFT BOOKE of the Naturall and Morall Hi∣storie of the Indies.
That the Pride and Malice of the Divell, hath beene the cause of Idolatrie. CHAP. 1.
Of many kindes of idolatry the Indians have vsed. CHAP. 2.
That the Indians have some knowledge of God. CHAP. 3.
Of the first kinde of Idolatrie, vpon naturall and vni∣versall things. CHAP. 4.
Of the Idolatry the Indians vsed to particular things. CHAP. 5.
Of another kinde of idolatry vpon the dead. CHAP. 6.
Of Superstitions they vsed to the Dead. CHAP. 7.
Of the manner of burying the dead among the Mex∣icaine and sundrie other Nations. CHAP. 8.
The fourth and last kinde of Idolatry the Indians vsed, especially the Mexicaines to Images and Idolls. CHAP. 9.
Of a strange maner of Idolatry practised amongst the Mexicaines. CHAP. 10.
How the Divell hath laboured to make himselfe equall vnto God, and to imitate him in his Sacrifices, Re∣ligion, and Sacraments. CHAP. 11.
Of the Temples that were found at the Indies. CHAP. 12.
Of the Prowd Temples at Mexico. CHAP. 13.
Of the Priestes and their offices. CHAP 14.
Of the monastery of Virgins which the divell hath invented for his service. CHAP. 15.
Of the Monasteries of religious men that the divell hath in∣vented for superstition. CHAP. 16.
Of Penance and the Strictnes the Indians have vsed at the Divells perswasion. CHAP. 17.
Of the Sacrifices the Indians made to the Divell, and whereof. CHAP. 18.
Of the Sacrifices they made of men. CHAP. 19.
Of the horrible sacrifices of men which the Mexi∣caines vsed. CHAP. 20.
Of another kind of sacrifices of men which the Mexi∣caines vsed. CHAP. 21.
How the Indians grew weary, and could not endure the cruelty of Sathan. CHAP. 22.
How the Divell hath laboured to imitate and counter∣faite the Sacraments of the holy Church. CHAP 25.
In what maner the Divell hath laboured in Mexico to counterfaite the feast of the holy Sacrament and Communion vsed in the holy Church. CHAP. 24.
Of Consessors and Consession which the Indians vsed. CHAP. 25.
Of the abhominable vnction which the Mexicaine prieste and other Nations vsed, and of their witchcraftes. CHAP. 26.
Of other Ceremonies and Customes of the Indians, which are like vnto ours. CHAP. 27.
Of some Feast celebrated by them of Cusco, and how the Divell would imitate the mysterie of the holy Trinitie. CHAP. 28.
Of the feast of Iubilee which the Mexicaines celebrated. CHAP. 29.
Of the Feast of Marchants, which those of Cholutecas did celebrate. CHAP. 30.
What profit may be drawne out of this discourse of the Indians superstitions. CHAP 31.
THE SIXT BOOKE of the Naturall and Morall Hi∣storie of the Indies.
That they erre in their opinion, which holde the Indians to want iudgement. CHAP. 1.
Of the supputation of times, and the Kalender the Mexicaines vsed. CHAP. 2.
How the Kings Inguas accounted the yeares and moneths. CHAP. 3.
That no nation of the Indies hath beene found to have had the vse of letters. CHAP 4.
Of the fashion of Letters, and Bookes; the Chinois vsed. CHAP. 5.
Of the Schooles and Vniversities of China. CHAP. 6.
Of the fashion of letters and writings which the Mex∣icaines vsed. CHAP. 7.
Of Registers and the manner of reckoning which the Indians of Peru vsed. CHAP. 8.
Of the order the Indians holde in their writings. CHAP. 9.
How the Indians dispatched their Messengers. CHAP. 10.
Of the manner of governement, and of the Kings which the Indians had. CHAP. 11.
Of the Government of the Kings and Inguas of Peru. CHAP. 12.
Of the distribution the Inguas made of their Vessell. CHAP. 13.
Of the Edifices and maner of building of the Inguas CHAP. 14.
Of the Inguas revenues, and the order of Tributes they imposed vpon the Indians. CHAP. 15.
Of artes and offices which the Indians did exercise. CHAP. 16.
Of the Posts and Chasquis the Indians did use. CHAP. 17.
Of the iustice, lawes, and punishments which the In∣guas have established, and of their mar∣riages. CHAP. 18.
Of the Originall of the Inguas Lords of Peru, with their Conquests and Victories. CHAP. 19.
Of the first Ingua, and his Successors. CHAP. 20.
Of Pachacuti Ingua, Yupangui, and what happened in his time vnto Guaynacapa. CHAP. 21.
Of the greatest and most famous Ingua called Guaynacapa. CHAP. 22.
Of the last Successours Inguas. CHAP. 23.
Of the manner of the Mexicaines common-weale. CHAP. 24.
Of the titles and dignities the Indians vsed. CHAP. 25.
How the Mexicaines made Warre, and of their Orders of Knighthood CHAP. 26.
Of the great order and dilligence the Mexicaines vsed to instruct their youth. CHAP. 27.
Of the Indians feasts and dances. CHAP. 28.
THE SEVENTH BOOKE of the Naturall and Morall Hi∣storie of the Indies.
That it is profitable to vnderstand the actes and geasts of the Indians, especially of the Mexicaines. CHAP. 1.
Of the antient Inhabitants of New Spaine, and how the Navatlacas came thither. CHAP. 2.
How the six Linages of Navatlacas peopled the land of Mexico. CHAP. 3.
Of the Mexicaines departure, of their iourney and peopling the Province of Mechovacan. CHA. 4.
Of that which happened in Malinalco, Tula, and in Chapultepec. CHAP. 5.
Of the Warres the Mexicaines had against them of Culhuacan. CHAP. 6.
Of the Foundation of Mexico. CHAP. 7.
Of the sedition of those of Tlatelulco, and of the first Kings the Mexicaines did choose. CHAP. 8.
Of the strange tribute the Mexicaines paied to them of Azcapuzalco. CHAP. 9.
Of the second King, and what happened in his raigne. CHAP. 10.
Of Chimalpopoca the third king, and his cruell death, and the occasion of warre which the Mexicaines made. CHAP. 11.
Of the fourth King called Izcoalt, and of the warre against the Tapanecans. CHAP. 12.
Of the battell the Mexicaines gave to the Tapanecans, and of the vitorie they obtained. CHAP. 13.
Of the warre and victory the Mexicans had against the Cittie of Cuyoacan. CHAP. 14.
Of the warre and victorie which the Mexicans had a∣gainst the Suchimilcos. CHAP. 15
Of the fift King of Mexico, called Moteçuma, the first of that name. CHAP. 16.
How Tlacaellec refused to be King, and of the election and deedes of Ticocic. CHAP. 17.
Of the death of Tlacaellec, and the deedes of Axayaca the seventh King of Mexicaines. CHAP. 18.
Of the deedes of Autzol the eight King of Mexico. CHAP. 19.
Of the election of great Moteçuma, the last king of Mexico. CHAP. 20.
How Moteçuma ordered the service of his house, and of the warre hee made for his coronation. CHA. 21
Of the behaviour and greatnes of Moteçuma. CHAP. 22.
Of the presages and strange prodigies which happened in Mexico before the fall of their Empire. CHAP. 23.
Of the newes Moteçuma received of the Spaniards ar∣rivall in his Country, and of the Ambassage he sent them. CHAP. 24.
Of the Spaniards entrie into Mexico. CHAP. 25.
Of the death of Moteçuma, and the Spaniards departure out of Mexico. CHAP. 26.
Of some miracles which God hath shewed at the Indies, in favour of the faith, beyond the desert of those that wrought them. CHAP. 27.
Of the maner how the Divine providence disposed of the Indies, to give an entrie to Chri∣stian Religion. CHAP. 28.