Notes on Certain Maya and Mexican Manuscripts
 Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1881-82, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1884, pages 3-66

by Cyrus Thomas

"Notes on Certain Maya and Mexican Manuscripts" by Cyrus Thomas is a historical and ethnological study written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the examination of various ancient Maya and Mexican manuscripts, focusing on their symbolism and calendrical systems. Thomas analyzes significant plates from the Codex Cortesianus and the Borgian Codex, seeking to bridge connections between the Maya and Mexican cultures through the understanding of their written records. At the start of the text, the author introduces the significance of the "Tableau des Bacab," derived from the Codex Cortesianus, noting its importance for understanding the relationship between Maya and Mexican symbols. He discusses the representation of the gods of the four cardinal points, looking to validate the findings of fellow researchers. Thomas emphasizes the necessity of interpreting the intricate arrangement of characters and symbols found in these manuscripts, which he argues are essential for grasping the broader context of ancient Mesoamerican beliefs and practices. This opening portion sets the stage for a detailed analysis of the complex connections between the interpretative methodologies applied to these historical texts.