Diego de Torres Villarroel

Diego de Torres Villarroel was a Spanish writer, poet, dramatist, doctor, mathematician, priest, and professor at the University of Salamanca. Born in 1693, his early life was marked by academic disruption, leading him to flee to Portugal where he pursued a variety of unconventional professions including hermit, alchemist, soldier, and bullfighter. Upon returning to Salamanca, he dedicated himself to study, particularly mathematics and astrology, while supporting himself by publishing almanacs and predictions under the pseudonym 'The Great Piscator of Salamanca'.

He later studied medicine and established himself in Madrid, where he navigated social circles and even took up smuggling to survive, eventually finding patronage. Villarroel returned to Salamanca, securing a professorship in mathematics at the university despite his foundational knowledge being rudimentary. After a period of exile in Portugal for assisting a friend, he returned to Spain and focused on his university duties, writing, and social engagements. He retired on a pension in 1750 and died in 1770, leaving behind a significant literary legacy, including his popular autobiography.

Born in Salamanca in 1693, Diego de Torres Villarroel's early academic career was tumultuous. Discontent with his disruptive behavior led him to leave his studies and embark on an adventurous period in Portugal. During this time, he adopted numerous roles, including hermit, alchemist, mathematician, soldier, bullfighter, medical student, and astrologer. This period of varied experiences likely informed the adventurous and picaresque tone of his later writings.

Returning to Salamanca, Villarroel dedicated himself to serious study, particularly in science, magic, and mathematics. He gained recognition by publishing almanacs and annual predictions under the moniker 'The Great Piscator of Salamanca,' famously forecasting the death of King Luis I in 1724. He pursued a medical degree and eventually became a professor of mathematics at the University of Salamanca. Despite acknowledging his own rudimentary knowledge, he leveraged his popularity and intellect to secure the position. His literary output was prolific, encompassing poetry, plays, scientific works, and biographies, often with a satirical and visionary style influenced by Francisco de Quevedo.

Villarroel's most celebrated work is his autobiography, 'Vida, ascendencia, nacimiento, crianza y aventuras del Doctor Don Diego de Torres Villarroel,' first published in parts starting in 1743. This work chronicled his life in six chapters, each covering a decade, and achieved considerable success. After a period of exile in Portugal, he returned to Salamanca and continued his academic and writing pursuits. He was granted a pension in 1750 and spent his final years in quieter retirement. His popularity was such that a complete edition of his works was published by public subscription in 1752, a testament to his standing as an author.

“I knew well my ignorance and blindness as I went groping down the alleyways of my profession. But I also knew that I was in the land of the blind, for Spain lay in the grip of a darkness so fearsome that in no school, college or university in any one of its cities was there an individual capable of lighting a lamp whereby one might seek out the elements of these sciences. In the country of the blind the one-eyed man is king”