File:Bernardo De Vargas Machuca, Milicia y descripcion de las Indias, Title Page, 1599.jpg

English: Title page of Bernardo de Vargas Machuca's Milicia Y Descripcion De Las Indias (1599). Note that the title page is closely trimmed with loss of imprint date. "Vargas Machuca (1557-1622) had a distinguished military career in the Spanish army. After serving in Spain and Italy, he fought the Indians from New Granada to Chile, ascending to the rank of captain general of Peru. In response to a request by the Council of the Indies for a report on the best means by which to conquer and colonize Chile, where numerous rebellions had taken place, Vargas undertook instead to write a truly unique books whose subject was the military organization of the Indies. The purpose of the book was mostly practical. Vargas used his long experience to provide useful information for Europeans who were planning to go to the New World. Written in the manner of a modern guide, the Milicia contains interesting advice on how to adapt to both the natural environment and the psychology of the Indians, and its recommendations are frequently illustrated with instances drawn from his own experience. There are discussions of climatic conditions, edible products, animals and insects, common health problems, and the best way to make peace and war with the Indians. A useful glossary of New World vocabulary is also included at the end. No reprints or translations of the Milicia appeared until a modern edition in Spanish was published in Madrid in 1892." Description from Delgado Gómez, Angel, and Susan L Newbury. Spanish Historical Writing about the New World, 1493-1700. Providence, RI: John Carter Brown Library, 1994, 59.