Born in Ozumba, State of Mexico, in 1737, he embraced a religious career and was ordained a priest at the age of twenty.
Despite his philosophical training, from a very young age he is concerned with the knowledge and application of natural sciences, physics, mathematics and astronomy. He publishes valuable works on scientific subjects in the newspapers and magazines of his time. He acquires international renown and is designated a corresponding partner of the Paris Academy of Sciences. He spends much of his time conducting science experiments and assembles a vast library. He is a collector of archaeological pieces and rare specimens of plants and animals. Explore Xochicalco. To pay homage to him, in 1884 the Antonio Alzate Scientific Society was founded, which in 1935 became the National Academy of Sciences. His best known editorial work is the notes to the Ancient History of Mexico by the Jesuit Francisco Javier Clavijero. It is said that he is a distant relative of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. He died in Mexico City in 1799.
