Abstract

MORENO CORRAL, M.A.  and  LUNA, E. Origen de la construcción de instrumentos ópticos en México. Rev. mex. fís. E [online]. 2011, vol.57, n.1, pp.96-101. ISSN 1870-3542.

In 1769 there were several important astronomical phenomena which were observed from diverse parts of New Spain. From the study of the work then published by our astronomers, data emerge so far not taken into account by specialists, which show that at that time, Antonio Alzate y Ramirez, remarkable New Spaniard who did much to introduce and popularize modern science in Mexico, was the first manufacturer of optical instruments -in particular telescopes- in this nation. By comparing his activity with that of others noteworthy Americans of the late eighteenth century, we get evidence that he might be the first builder of telescopes in America.

Keywords : Optics in Mexico; history of physics; colonial science in Mexico.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )