The Manatitlans or, A record of recent scientific explorations in the Andean La Plata, S. A

This science fiction is a concise record of the explorations of the Teutonic corps of the R. H. B. Society of Berlin that dispatched for the classification of parasitical animalcule unusual for the vegetable productions of the tropics. It presents a white expedition that travels up the Paraguay River and discovers a Lost Race which is believed to have been descended from the Romans; they, in turn, introduce them to a race of tiny humans, the Manatitlans who have now located here though at times they took residence in Europe. They learn about the Manatitlans' culture and, more importantly, about their exciting educational system.

The author of this work, Elton R Smilie (1819-1889), was an American physician and author known for his contribution to the advances in the practice of anesthetics. He is popular for his two fascinating tales, The Manatitlans; Or, a Record of Recent Scientific Explorations in the Andea Lat Plata, S A (1877) and Investigations and Experience of M Shawtinback, at Saar Soong, Sumatra (1879).