In the 18th-century intellectual world of New Spain, the Colleges of Propaganda Fide, dedicated to the training of missionaries, placed equal value on the study of theology and philosophy. Among the most significant figures in the field of philosophy was the Franciscan Juan Duns Scotus (1266-1308), known as the “Subtle Doctor” for his writings that emphasized the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. In the Library of the College of Guadalupe, there are works by him urging the Franciscans to attain Christian perfection. This serves as a testament to the importance of certain authors in the formation of missionaries.

This space originally served as the vestibule for the adjacent classroom and small pulpit. After 1859, due to the reduced number of friars residing at the College, philosophy classes began to be held in this very room. Later, at the end of the 19th century and during the first two decades of the 20th century, an improvised pharmacy was set up, which included some of the medicinal herbs that are now on display.