Introduction: The evolutionary theory and its applications on the New World settlement studies

ROLANDO GONZÁLEZ-JOSÉ

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Springer

Año: 2011 vol. 4 p. 195 - 198

1936-6426

The first descriptions of Americans were not stated on scientific grounds, or following a specific research program. Rather, they were mere beliefs and conjectures stated by XV and XVI century Spanish explorers who inhabited the colonies and participated on expeditions to still unknown lands. Many of them, like Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo, José de Acosta, Luis de Gomara, Bartolomé de las Casas, and Bernardino de Sahagún were really captivated by the problem of the origin of the Native Americans. Since the Columbus and Moctezuma epochs, hence, curiosity about the Americans? origins is not of scientific incumbency only. It should be viewed, to a certain extent, as one more among the many inquiries that two cultures making contact will naturally pose.