The texts that make up the present edition account for the educational and intellectual legacy of Francisco José de Caldas (Popayán, Colombia 1771-1816), presenting the scarcely known facet as engineer of the "Sabio Caldas". Caldas is better known for his active participation in the process of Independence of Colombia, but he was the most distinguished student of José Celestino Mutis, who was one of his strongest influences and was also a teacher of military engineering in Antioquia. Caldas was executed by firing squad in 1816.