Bernabé Cobo facts for kids

Padre Bernabé Cobo (born in Lopera, Spain, in 1582; died in Lima, Peru, on October 9, 1657) was a Spanish Jesuit missionary and writer. He was important in the early history of quinine, a medicine, because he described cinchona bark. He even brought some of this bark to Europe during a visit in 1632.

Cobo was a very careful student of nature and people in Spanish America. He lived there for a long time (61 years) and worked as a priest and missionary many times. This gave him special chances to get reliable information. A Spanish botanist named Cavanilles later named a group of plants, Cobaea, after him. These plants are from Mexico, and Cobaea scandens is a well-known type.

Who Was Bernabé Cobo?

Bernabé Cobo was a Spanish Jesuit. Jesuits are members of a Catholic religious order. He spent most of his life exploring and writing about the Americas. His work helped people in Europe learn more about the plants, animals, and cultures of the New World.

Cobo's Early Life and Travels

Cobo traveled to America in 1596 when he was about 14 years old. He visited places like the Antilles and Venezuela. In 1599, he arrived in Lima, Peru. On October 14, 1601, he joined the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits).

Cobo's Work as a Missionary

In 1615, his Jesuit leaders sent him to the mission in Juli. He worked there and in other cities like Potosí, Cochabamba, Oruro, and La Paz until 1618. He then became the head of the college in Arequipa from 1618 to 1621. Later, he was the head of colleges in Pisco and Callao until 1630.

Cobo's Later Years

After his time in Peru, Cobo was sent to Mexico. He stayed there until 1650, when he returned to Peru. He continued his studies and writing until his death in 1657.

What Did Bernabé Cobo Write?

Bernabé Cobo wrote two main books. It is also believed he wrote a ten-volume book about plants, but this book seems to be lost.

General History of the Indies

His most important work is called Historia general de las Indias (General History of the Indies). He finished this book in 1653. However, only the first half of it is known today and has been printed. This part was published in four volumes in Seville starting in 1890. The rest of the book, which was supposed to describe every area in detail, was either never finished or is now lost.

History of the Founding of Lima

His other book was published in 1882. It is called Historia de la fundación de Lima (History of the Founding of Lima). He wrote this part as a separate manuscript in 1639. It was published a few years before his main history books.

Why Cobo's Writings Are Important

Cobo's History of the Inca Empire (which is part of his larger work) is very important for understanding early American history. It is more complete than other books of his time when it comes to the animals and plants of the continent. For the west coast of South America, Cobo's writings are a key source. He made close observations of people's customs and traditions. He also gave accurate descriptions of the main ancient ruins in South America.

See also

In Spanish: Bernabé Cobo para niños