This paper contains information on the works of the Portuguese mathematician F. de B. Garção Stockler (1759-1829) and discusses some aspects connected with the writing of his book Historical Essay on the Origins and Development of Mathematics in Portugal, the first known history of mathematics of a particular country written in Western Europe. The paper is divided into two parts. In the first part, some information is given on Stockler and his published works in the context of Portuguese social, political, and scientific events in the second half of the 18th century and beginning of the 19th century. In the second part, some aspects of the Essay related to its contents, writing, influences, and dating are discussed.Copyright 1993, 1999 Academic Press