El objeto del presente estudio es clarificar las funciones y tareas enfermeras en España en el siglo XVII haciendo énfasis en la enseñanza. El método utilizado se ha basado en el análisis histórico del Manual de Simón López. Las conclusiones a las que se han llegado son: el trabajo de Simón López muestra la existencia de las cuatro funciones de la enfermería que están reconocidas en nuestros días: cuidar, enseñar, administración e investigación. Este texto ha sido considerado clave en la comprensión de la enfermería del siglo XVII.
The aim of the present study is to clearly state what nursing functions and tasks were in force in Spain in the 17th c. with emphasis on the teaching of nursing. The method used here has been based on the historical analysis of Simón López's Manual: "Guidelines for nurses and volunteers for the caring of body illnesses" (1668). The following conclusions have been reached: Simón López's work shows the existence of the four nursing functions which are recognized in nursing nowadays: care, teaching, administration and research. López's work accurately describes the teaching activities carried out during that period. His text has been considered a key piece in the understanding of Spanish nursing in the 17th c.