This collection of essays offers the first comprehensive survey in English of scientific practices within the Spanish and Portuguese empires between 1500 and 1800. Authored by an interdisciplinary team of international specialists, the volume comprises fifteen original essays, an introduction, and an afterword by noted scholars. It examines diverse topics such as navigation, exploration, cartography, the natural sciences, technology, and medicine. The book is designed for both academic specialists and general readers, presented in an accessible style.

This volume is presented as a major resource for anyone interested in colonial Latin America, aiming to serve both specialists and non-specialists with its accessible style. The collection's interdisciplinary approach and broad scope, covering navigation, cartography, natural sciences, technology, and medicine, suggest it provides a foundational overview of scientific endeavors during a significant historical period. Its origin as a collection of original essays by international scholars indicates a depth of research and diverse perspectives on the subject matter. The book is positioned to be a key reference for understanding the scientific landscape of the Iberian empires.