Title-page of Conqvista de las Islas Malvcas, by Bartolome
Leonardo de Argensola (Madrid, 1609); photographic facsimile,
from copy in library of Harvard University.





PREFACE

In the present volume is concluded the notable work by Morga, _Sucesos
de las Islas Filipinas_, which was begun in _Vol_. XV. The reader is
referred to the preface of that volume for some account of the book,
and of the manner in which it is presented in this series. Another
book notable in the history of the Philippines is that of Argensola,
_Conqvista de las Islas Molvcas_ (Madrid, 1609). In presenting
here this work, the Editors follow the plan which proves to be
more or less necessary with many of the printed early histories of
the islands--that of translating in full only such parts of the
book as relate directly to the Philippines, and are of especial
value or importance; and furnishing a brief synopsis of all matter
omitted, in order that the reader may survey the book as a whole,
and understand the relations and connections of the parts that
are presented in full with those that are synopsized. This method
is rendered necessary by the limitations of this series in regard
to space, especially as most of the old histories--as Aduarte's,
San Agustin's, and La Concepción's--are exceedingly voluminous;
and, moreover, devote much space to the affairs of Japan, China,
and other countries outside the Philippines. All matter of this sort
must of course, be omitted; and much of what remains is more useful