José Antonio de Alzate y Ramírez

José Antonio de Alzate y Ramírez (20 November 1737 – 2 February 1799 ) was a priest in New Spain, scientist, historian, and cartographer.

Life and career

He was born in Ozumba in 1737, the child of Felipe de Alzate and María Josefa Ramírez, a descendant of Juana Inés de la Cruz. He studied in the Colegio de San Ildefonso in Mexico City, graduating with a bachelor in theology in 1756. He was ordained a Catholic priest at the age of 20.

Inaugurated in 1768, his Diario literario de Méjico [Literary Newspaper of Mexico] was suspended after only three months. He later created, in 1788, the Gaceta de Literatura [Newspaper of Literature], that was published until 1795 (115 issues).

Alzate was a controversial figure, frequently meeting with local opposition.

Alzate attained a high reputation as a zoologist and botanist. He conducted several scientific experiments, and wrote numerous articles that were published in science journals. A study from 2020 confirms that he actively fought for the legislation of medical cannabis.

Alzate's account of Xochicalco was the first published description of the ruins. His research led the way for modern exploration of Mexican antiquities.

Legacy

In his honor, the (Antonio Alzate Scientific Society) was created in 1884. In 1935, this society became the National Academy of Sciences. Plant genus Alzatea (the only genus in Alzateaceae) is named after him.