Ernesto de Jesús Castillero Reyes (1889-1981) was a distinguished Panamanian educator, historian, and author. The collection includes a holograph notebook with twelve formulas for crafts and decorative artwork using textiles, paper, photographs, metals, and glass. Notebook is signed, and inscribed with a place and date: "Antón, noviembre de 1916." Illustrated with a few small explanatory drawings. In addition to the directions for each formula are color mixtures, lists of materials used, and their total cost. Formulas include those for encrusting and engraving glass, illuminating photographic portraits, painting on velvet, corduroy, and satin; making pictures of bronze; and constructing fruits and flowers.

The notebook cover is stamped: "Compliments of the National Navigation Company of Panama," and the endpapers have printed calendars for 1908 and 1909.