Antonio Leon y Gama, an astronomer sometimes considered the first Mexican archaeologist, provided the first European account of Aztec archaeology. His description of the discovery of the "two stones", Descripcion Histórica y Cronológica de las dos Piedras (Mexico, 1791) -- the Coatlicue and Sun Stone (a massive sacrificial stone and calendar) emphasized the sophistication and high scientific and artistic achievements of the Aztecs, responding to and quickening the stirring of Mexican nationalism. Leon y Gama died in Mexico City on September 12, 1802 William E. Hulings' translation of Leon y Gama's Descripcion Histórica y Cronológica de las dos Piedras reflects the intense early American interest in the archaeological marvels of Aztec Mexico. Made in 1818, the manuscript also includes ethnographic notes on the Aztecs, particularly on Aztec religion, and is divided into three sections with separate pagination: "An historical and chronological description of two stones found under ground, in the great square of the City of Mexico, in the years 1790" (84p.), "Notes to Antonio de Leon y Gama's Work" (19p.), and "Translated from the Diary of Mexico, for Augt. 5th 1806" (3p.).

Victor George Heiser, who was a preeminent public health physician, created a rich archive of material documenting all phases of his career, especially the international health work of the Rockefeller Foundation from 1915-1934. There are voluminous, detailed, and interesting diaries for the whole course of his adult life (1890-1972). There are notebooks reflecting on his early training and work (1890-1907), and lectures he attended at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia (1897).