Expert Talk by Martha E. Rodríguez Pérez: Healing Knowledge in the Codex Cruz-Badiano – A Glimpse into the History of Medicine in Mexico

A unique opportunity to explore the oldest surviving medical manuscript from the Americas. Discover the fascinating story of the Cruz-Badiano Codex and Aztec herbal medicine, told by renowned Mexican medical historian Dr. Martha Eugenia Rodríguez Pérez.
This talk will be held exclusively in English. Advance seat reservation is required.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Codex Cruz-Badiano (Libellus de Medicinalibus Indorum Herbis, 1552) is the earliest known medical text from the Americas, written in Latin in New Spain (Mexico). Commissioned by Francisco de Mendoza, it was authored by Indigenous healer Martín de la Cruz and translated by Juan Badiano.

This illustrated manuscript describes 224 medicinal plants and includes 185 color images. It follows a medieval structure—treating ailments from head to toe—and focuses strictly on natural remedies, avoiding magical or religious elements.

Sent to Emperor Charles V in 1552, the codex was later rediscovered in the Vatican and returned to Mexico in 1990. It is now housed at the National Museum of Anthropology. The codex is a vital document for understanding Mexica herbal medicine and the cultural exchange of the 16th century.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

When and Where

The lecture will take place on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 18:00 to 20:00 at St. Claire's Wine Cellar.

The lecture will be held exclusively in English without translation.

Admission

The lecture is included in the regular garden admission, which covers both the lecture and access to the botanical garden exhibits.

15% discount on admission when purchasing an e-ticket (Czech language only).

Annual passes, neighborhood passes, and VIP tickets are valid for the event.

* Dog entry is permitted only in Outdoor expositions.

** ZTP/P visitors have the option of free accompaniment.

Reservation of Seats

Seats for the lecture must be reserved in advance by email at [email protected].

Before submitting the reservation, you must purchase an entrance ticket to the garden for the day of the event (June 9, 2025) and attach a copy or screenshot of the ticket to the email. Reservations without this attachment will not be valid.

How to get to us

We recommend entering through the Kovárna entrance on Trojská Street and then walking uphill along the vineyard to the wine shop.

Public transport: Bus no. 112 or no. 234, stop Kovárna.

Parking around the garden is limited – we recommend using public transport.

For a complete overview of how to reach us, including parking information, please click here.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Dr. Martha Eugenia Rodríguez Pérez, Doctor in History from UNAM, specialized in the History of Medicine. Professor and researcher at the Department of History and Philosophy of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNAM. Head of the Department from 2017 to 2023.

She teaches History and Philosophy of Medicine, Medical Bioethics, and Professionalism at the undergraduate level, and History of Western Medicine II at the graduate level. Member of the National System of Researchers, former President of the Mexican Society for the History and Philosophy of Medicine, and awarded the “Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz” Recognition in 2024.

She is a member of the National Academy of Medicine of Mexico, the Mexican Academy of Surgery, the Mexican Academy of Sciences, and the Mexican National Academy of Bioethics. Her research focuses on Mexican medicine during the colonial period and the 19th century. She is the author of over 280 articles and 22 books, including The National School of Medicine, 1833-191,0 and Studies on the Codex Cruz-Badiano.

We look forward to seeing you!