19TH CENTURY ASSOCIATIONS AND INSTITUTES OF SCIENCE AND ARTS IN MEXICO - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The associations and scientific and artistic institutions in Mexico are mainly cultural groups emerged in the nineteenth century. The evolution of science experienced a heyday greater than that of art, so the societies that most emerged in this nation correspond to that area.

At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, people who belonged to the scientists' guild - from students to experts in the area - promoted the development of organizations that would improve the science they were responsible for.

One of the most relevant associations is the Antonio Alzate Scientific Society, which emerged to contribute to the dissemination of scientific knowledge.

The Astronomical Society of Mexico -which sought to promote interest in astronomy- and the National Medical Institute -whose objective was to promote the study of the relationship of chemical substances with the body- are some examples of these institutions.

Associations and institutions

Scientific Society "Antonio Alzate"

This organization was founded in the State of Mexico during 1884, thanks to a group of students. It is known as the Antonio Alzate Scientific Society in honor of a naturalist who had the same name.

The high school group received support from teachers who taught classes at the Mariano National Preparatory School. In 1930, years after its foundation, the society was renamed the Antonio Alzate National Academy of Sciences.

The students and teachers who contributed to the formation of the organization had the objective of collaborating with the dissemination of scientific and humanistic knowledge of the time. In addition, it sought to establish a relationship with other similar companies that were already constituted throughout the world.

To achieve this goal, they established a library at the society's headquarters. This had a series of copies on natural history and instruments related to science.

For this reason, they promoted the free publication of the magazine Memorias y Revista de la Sociedad Científica "Antonio Alzate", which had monthly editions. In it, they addressed varied topics such as: mathematics, physics, chemistry, astronomy, geography, archeology and medicine.

Astronomical Society of Mexico

Known as a non-profit civil association, the Astronomical Society of Mexico was founded in 1902 in the Central American country.

Some reasons that motivated the foundation of this organization were: the scarcity of organizations that were in charge of the studies corresponding to astronomy in the American continent; the speed with which various discoveries and developments were being made in these areas; the search for job recognition and the rise of physical sciences.

The objective of this organization was to promote in society and in the scientific guild the love for the study of the celestial bodies found in the universe.

For this reason, they carried out various activities and established connections with organizations around the world that were in charge of the study of science.

The importance of the Astronomical Society of Mexico has made countless important Mexican scientists part of the society.

The association's facilities are made up of a planetarium, an astronomical observatory, optical and mechanical workshops, a library, a museum, and various administrative offices. The company also has two offices.

National Medical Institute

This organization, founded in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was characterized by being one of the pioneering institutions in the study of chemical substances that interact with living organisms. It was specifically based on the study of the medicinal flora in Mexico.

The formation of the National Medical Institute began during the month of December 1888, when the Chamber of Deputies of the Congress of the Union approved the project.

This sought to create the institution to provide scientific support to national medicine, as well as to establish the bases of the medical geography of Mexico.

Researchers who were part of the organization made the decision to publish a book, which was titled Data for Mexican Materia Medica. With this, they wanted to find tangible results of the institute's work.

The work was written jointly by various botanical experts from Mexico, among whom were Fernando Altamirano and José Ramírez.

The product had several volumes and allowed experts in the scientific area to develop numerous articles, to study plants that had a medicinal use. In addition to conducting studies of the flora, the project also made it possible to make an evaluation of the fauna and its use in medicine.

Other organizations founded in the 19th century

Mexican Society of Natural History

During the 19th century, numerous scientific and artistic associations arose in Mexico; However, there is little information corresponding to this last area, so the organizations that stand out the most are those of a scientific nature. One of them was the Mexican Society of Natural History.

This organization was established in the middle of the 19th century, on August 29, 1868. It is a non-profit association whose activities are developed in Mexico; Furthermore, it is one of the oldest operating today. The foundation of this society was made thanks to a group of naturalistic scientists.

In 1869, on the other hand, the publication of a newspaper linked to the organization was carried out; the printed medium was called La Naturaleza.

The publications developed normally until 1914, when the newspaper ceased its activities due to the conditions in which Mexico was.

Mexican Society of Geography and Statistics

Considered the first scientific society to be founded in America, the origins of this organization date back to April 18, 1833. Several government institutions contributed to its formation.

This organization, known by its acronym as SMGE, was in charge of studying and evaluating the physiography of the Mexican territory, as well as the natural resources it has, its production levels and its possibilities to develop as a country.

In addition, the organization conducted population studies that included demographic, ethnic, and linguistic data.

References

1. Scientific organizations based in Mexico, Wikipedia in English, (nd). Taken from wikipedia.org
2. History of Mexico, Wikipedia in English, (nd). Taken from wikipedia.org
3. Antonio Alzate Scientific Society, Spanish Wikipedia, (nd). Taken from wikipedia.org
4. Scientific and Literary Associations of Mexico, 19th century, Portal Interruptus Radio, (2017). Taken from interruptusradio.com
5. Associations and institutes of sciences and arts, Portal Ciencias y Arte Historia, (2016). Taken from Cienciasyartehistoria.blogspot.com