User:Rich0600/Martin Cortes (1510-1582) NOT the son of Hernando Cortes and Malinche

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Martin Cortés (1510-1582) was a well knows cosmographer, cartographer and navigator. He developed methods that had major contributions to the field of navigation. Born in Seville, Spain he spent the early years of his life learning what he could about navigation. After many years of being a teacher in Càdiz. He published his well known book Breve compendio de la sphera y de la arte de navegar, con nuevos instrumentos y reglas, exemplificado com muy subtiles demostraciones, in 1551.

This book could be referred to as a practical guide to navigation. This book contained principles, demonstrations and rules that allowed for sailors to make instruments to help them navigate the seas. This was a time when it was not likely that readers had a firm understanding of mathematics or astronomy. This book does provides readers with simple diagrams that can explain complex problems, such as, explaining the curvature of the earth, why there as shadows on the moon, and the movement of planets. This book used by famous navigators and scientists and was a staple in the Age of Exploration.