Diego Álvarez Chanca facts for kids
Diego Álvarez Chanca (born around 1463 – died around 1515) was a Spanish doctor. He traveled with Christopher Columbus on his second big trip across the ocean.
Chanca was a special doctor for the King and Queen of Spain, Ferdinand and Isabella. This is how he met Columbus. The Spanish Crown chose him to go on Columbus's second journey to America in 1493.
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Doctor on Columbus's Voyage
Soon after they landed on Hispaniola, Columbus became very sick. He had a fever from malaria. Doctor Chanca successfully treated him. Many other sailors also got sick with malaria. Doctor Chanca helped them get better too.
Columbus also asked for Chanca's advice when choosing a place for their first settlement. This new town was called Isabella.
First Descriptions of America
While in Isabella, Doctor Chanca wrote an important letter. He sent it to the city council in his hometown of Seville, Spain. This letter was the first document to describe many things about America. It talked about the plants, animals, and the native people.
Later Life and Writings
Doctor Chanca returned to Spain in February 1494. He later wrote several medical books.
In 1506, he published a book called Para curar el mal de Costado. This means "The Treatment of Pleurisy" in English. Pleurisy is a sickness that affects the lungs.
In 1514, he published another book in Latin. In this book, he shared his thoughts on a work by another doctor, Arnaldo de Villanova.
New Foods for Spain
Diego Álvarez Chanca is also known for bringing new foods to Spain. He introduced red pepper, which is spicy, and allspice. These ingredients became important in Spanish cooking.
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