Bicentenario Fracis José de Caldas, 1768 - 1816. Publ. 2019. illus.(some col.). XX, 476 p. gr8vo. Paper bd. - In Spanish.

In addition to his interest in nature, Caldas had a deep commitment to his territory and a sincere desire to contribute to the common good and the dissemination of scientific knowledge as a tool for progress and development. His dedication to science and the improvement of society have encouraged scientific research in Colombia since the 19th century. His admirable scientific work with scarce bibliographical and even financial resources at the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century has been taken as an example for young people in training.

This homage to the Wise Caldas, in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of his death, consists of three parts. The first one is dedicated to examine the role of scientists in the independence of Spanish America; the second focuses on the scientific and intellectual legacy of Caldas in the context of his time; and the last one is dedicated to analyze his impact on different Colombian institutions that proudly carry his name.