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

"Notes on Certain Maya and Mexican Manuscripts" by Cyrus Thomas is a scholarly exploration of ancient Mesoamerican writings that deciphers lost cultural connections. The study concentrates on the symbolism and calendar systems found within aged Maya and Mexican manuscripts, interpreting the Codex Cortesianus and the Borgian Codex. Thomas starts with the "Tableau des Bacab" from the Codex Cortesianus, demonstrating the ties between Maya and Mexican symbols. This analysis highlights the gods of the four cardinal directions, supporting previous researchers' conclusions. Thomas stresses the importance of understanding the complex arrangements of symbols in these ancient texts to fully comprehend the beliefs and habits of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, starting a journey into the world of historical texts.