An approximation to the first Geology studies in Latin America (1492-circa 1650)

The aim of this study is to examine the first geological studies carried out in Latin America from 1492 to the first half of the 17th century, when scientific studies were based on Aristotle classical philosophy and Sacred Scriptines. Several travellers, chroniclers, missionaries, academics, conquerors and miners addressed the study of New World's nature during this specific time period, with approaches involving various geological disciplines such as volcanology, palaeontology, mineralogy, sedimentology and petrology, among others. We could consider some of their explanatory hypothesis far ahead of their time. The delayed publication of these first New World "geologists" texts hindered their spreading among European scientific institutions and impeded the appreciation of their contribution to the origin of modern Geology.