Eugenio Espejo

Francisco Javier Eugenio de Santa Cruz y Espejo[a] (Royal Audiencia of Quito, 1747–95) is a medical pioneer, writer and lawyer of mestizo origin in colonial Ecuador.

Although he is a notable scientist and writer, he stands out as a polemicist who inspires the separatist movement in Quito.

He is regarded as one of the most important figures in colonial Ecuador.

He is Quito's first journalist and hygienist.

As a journalist he spreads enlightened ideas in the Royal Audiencia, and as a hygienist he composes an important treatise about sanitary conditions in colonial Ecuador that includes interesting remarks about microorganisms and the spreading of disease.

Espejo is noted in his time for being a satirist.

His satirical works, inspired by the philosophy of the Age of Enlightenment, are critical of the lack of education of the Audiencia of Quito, the way the economy is being handled in the Audiencia, the corruption of its authorities, and aspects of its culture in general.

Because of these works he is persecuted and finally imprisoned shortly before his death.

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