An Aztec Herbal: The Classic Codex of 1552
Description
An Aztec Herbal: The Classic Codex of 1552 presents the first herbal and medical manuscript compiled in the New World, originally written in the Aztec language (Nahuatl) in 1552 and widely known as the Badianus Manuscript. This Dover edition offers William Gates’s English translation with commentary, along with an introduction by anthropologist Bruce Byland, giving readers a clear window into Mexica medicine and ethnobotany.
Across concise entries and striking historical illustrations, the codex documents remedies for everyday ailments and serious conditions alike—showcasing the depth of Indigenous knowledge and careful observation in pre-colonial Mesoamerica. An analytical index to plants and helpful editorial notes make this primary source accessible to general readers, students, and researchers.
Key Features
- Foundational source: First New World herbal and medical text (1552), originally composed in Nahuatl.
- Scholarly apparatus: Translation and commentary by William Gates; introduction by Bruce Byland.
- Rich visuals: Over 180 black-and-white figures plus 38 color illustrations reproduced from the Gates edition.
- Research-ready: Includes an Analytical Index to Plants and clear topical organization.
- Also known as: The Badianus Manuscript / Codex de la Cruz–Badiano.
Why Choose This Book
- Authoritative & approachable: Brings a pivotal Indigenous scientific text to modern readers in clear, usable form.
- Cross-disciplinary value: Relevant to history, anthropology, herbal studies, Latin American studies, and museum/library collections.
- Primary-source credibility: Ideal for readers who prefer original texts over secondary summaries.
Who It’s For Click or tap to expand
- General readers curious about Aztec/Mexica history and medicine.
- Students and instructors in anthropology, history of science, and Latin American studies.
- Librarians and cultural-heritage professionals building primary-source collections.
- Herbal enthusiasts exploring historical uses of plants (for study, not medical advice).
Key Themes Click or tap to expand
- Indigenous knowledge systems & ethnobotany.
- Nahuatl-to-Latin-to-English transmission of medical texts.
- History of medicine in the Americas.
- Colonial encounter and preservation of cultural memory.
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