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This article studies the Indians who provided firewood, charcoal and wood to the cities and mines of New Spain. It tries to show that this trade, despite its unassuming appearance, was very relevant in productive terms, and its shortage could have serious consequences in daily life and the smooth running of various productive activities. The text describes the characteristics and conditions of the production and argues that the transit of men and merchandises had an impact both in the cities and the towns of origin. It also proposes that this trade cannot be understood simply in economic terms, since it reflected the parallel dualities of country/ city and Indian/Spanish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the work of New Spain's royal treasuries assayers. It considers the period in which this responsibility was carried out under the regime of sale of public offices. These officers were in charge of certifying the fineness of silver and gold so that they could be used in commerce or minted, and taxes could be collected on them. These appointments were both a livelihood for many people and a key position in the complex relationship between the king and local elites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]