ABSTRACT
In July 2001, the 21st Congress of History of Science took place in Mexico City. The title of this meeting was provocative and relevant: science and cultural diversity. It was particularly significant that, for the first time, this traditional gathering took place in Latin America. Mexico-cradle to some of the most complex and interesting American cultures, a vivid example of every excess of imperialism, and a proud example of the survival of an autochthonous culture-seemed an appropriate place to discuss cultural diversity. Fifty-two different countries and hundreds of historians attended the meeting. The opening lecture was delivered in the spectacular Palacio de Bellas Artes, whose enormous murals conveyed a clear sense of national pride. With the aid of simultaneous translation to various languages, we listened to the opening protocol remarks, all of which predicted that this was going to be a very special occasion.
