
A modest yet meticulous record of an 1830s expedition, this work follows a scientist‑astronomer as he travels from the bustling port of Buenos Aires toward the central plateau of Córdoba. Charged with the first official demarcation of the growing nation’s borders, he notes every waypoint with the care of a surveyor and the curiosity of an explorer. The prose reflects a straightforward, almost journal‑like tone, avoiding flourish in favor of clear, factual description.
The manuscript offers concrete geographical data—latitude measurements, distances, and sketches of the terrain—that were rare for Argentina at the time. By anchoring Córdoba as a geodetic reference point, the author provides a foundation for later maps and for correcting earlier cartographic errors. Comparisons to earlier itineraries from European and local travelers highlight both the progress and the gaps in contemporary knowledge.
Although the original notes end abruptly, leaving the journey unfinished, the surviving sections illuminate the early scientific effort to chart a vast, little‑known region. Listeners will appreciate the blend of scientific rigor and the palpable sense of discovery that marks the beginnings of Argentine geography.
Language
es
Duration
~25 minutes (24K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chuck Greif, Adrian Mastronardi and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica) at http://gallica.bnf.fr)
Release date
2006-07-08
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1750–1820
A French-born engineer in Spanish service, this late-18th-century traveler left behind a vivid route account that helps modern readers picture the landscapes and settlements of the Río de la Plata and inland South America. His writing is especially valuable for the way it blends observation, geography, and practical detail.
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