"An important, serious, and well-documented biography of López Medel, a clergyman and royal official of the Spanish crown in the 16th century. Pt. I follows López Medel from Spain to southern Mexico and Yucatan, and New Granada. His life serves as background for analysis and comprehension of his writings, including De los tres elementos, a natural history, and administrative reports. Pt. II publishes López Medel's letters, ordinances, instructions, and De los tres elementos"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 58.