Carlos de Sigüenza y Góngora

Carlos de Sigüenza y Góngora (August 14, 1645 – August 22, 1700) was one of the first great intellectuals born in the Spanish viceroyalty of New Spain. A polymath and writer, he held many colonial government and academic positions. Sigüenza was born in Mexico City in 1645 the youngest of eight siblings. He was related to the famous baroque poet Luis de Góngora. He studied mathematics and astronomy under the direction of his father, a Peninsular who had been a tutor for the royal family in Spain. Sigüenza entered the Society of Jesus as a novice August 17, 1660, took simple vows August 15, 1662 at Tepotzotlán, and left the society (or was expelled) in 1667 or 1669. On July 20, 1672, he was named to the chair of mathematics and exact...