Early history of New Spain and North America. Sabin quotes Clavigero in describing Boturini Benaduci and his work: "The curious and learned author of this work arrived in Mexico in 1750 [sic, it was actually 1736], and desirous of writing the history of that kingdom, he made, during eight years he remained there, the most diligent researches into its antiquity; acquired a considerable mastery of the Mexican language, entered into friendship with the Indians to obtain their ancient pictures from them, and procured copies of many valuable manuscripts which were in the libraries of the monasteries." Sabin goes on to note that the "appendix to this work is of the highest bibliographical interest. It contains a catalogue of a rich collection of books, MSS., and maps, relating to the early history of Mexico, which Borturini made during his travels..." The collection was scattered in succeeding years, but has now been partially reassembled. Palau 33786; Sabin 6834.