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Scholar José Celestino Mutis (1732-1808) library and manuscripts are a valuable documentary collection for the study of the development of the natural sciences, medicine, mathematics, astronomy and other sciences. They offer various access points for the analysis of a period of remarkable scientific, cultural, social and political change with profound global impact in the 18th century. The library was one of the richest in the Americas for the time. The papers represent an important contribution to the understanding of the world since the "Expedición Botánica del Nuevo Reino de Granada" (alongside similar ones) marked the true scientific discovery of America. The graphic documentation resulting from the Expedition - approximately 6,000 plates of flora and fauna and 3,907 documents - was transferred to Spain, by order of El Pacificador Pablo Morillo, and deposited in the "Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid" in 1817. The documents, mainly produced by Mutis, testify to an intense life committed to the scientific, cultural and social concerns of the time.

The Mutis library contains works published in the 17th and 18th centuries covering such subjects as medicine, botany, astronomy, mathematics, geography, mineralogy, history, theology, philosophy, literature, economics, architecture, numismatics, canon law, Spanish and Indian law, publications and memoirs of learned societies, agriculture, education, travel books, catalogues, etc. Most documents are published in Spanish, Latin, French and Italian, with some in German, English and Swedish. The collection is of special historical value not only because it belonged to the distinguished scientist but also because many of these works nourished the intellects of the most distinguished patriots, with whose help and enlightenment it was possible to achieve Hispano-American emancipation and create an Americanist conscience.