Buch der Natur (The Book of Nature, 14th Century)

This fascinating manuscript from 14th Century was issued by Konrad of Megenberg, a prolific german scholar who also wrote physics and astronomy treatises during this convulsed century in Europe. The codex is structured in eight chapters, dedicated to the nature of man, astronomy (based on 7 planets model), meteorology, zoology, ordinary and aromatic trees, plants and vegetables, semi-precious stones, kinds of metals and water properties and rivers.

The manuscript has detailed and full color illuminations but my favorite section is zoology, due to the quality of all full-page drawings. Other works by Konrad of Megenberg –apart from science- are focused on heretic movements, very active during 14th Century when the Papal Curia was installed in Avignon.

"Theory and Practice of Fortifications" by Captain Cristobal de Rojas, 16th Century

Captain Cristobal de Rojas (1555-1614) was born in Toledo, Spain, and is considered one of the most significant militar architect and engineer, due to the large amount of treatises he wrote about this matter during 16th Century. He specialized on fortifications for defense against pirates and corsairs, after the looting of Santander by "Sir" Francis Drake. His talent was soon detected by his commander, and initiated a long trip to inspect fortifications of Gibraltar, Ceuta, Tarifa, Lisboa, Cadiz... was after the inspection of Cadiz fortification when he made several recommendations that were not considered by the Spanish Royal Navy, even when he insisted passionately to militar authorities and the King. Only three years later this important city was almost destroyed by British Admiral Howard. After that, his talent was recognized by the King Felipe III, and started a military career in which he travelled around the world planning deffenses and fortifications for the Spanish imperium.

The most important treatise of Captain Cristobal De Rojas is “Theory and Practice of Fortifications”, printed in 1598 in Madrid, with Royal Privileges.