ARILLAGA, Basilio Manuel, Mexican scholar, born about 1785; died in August 1867. Dr. Arillaga was probably the most erudite scholar that Mexico has ever produced, and at various times had under his tutorship the most eminent men of his country. In 1865 the Abbe Testory, head chaplain of the French forces, wrote a pamphlet in defense of the nationalization of Church property, in the course of which he characterized the Mexican clergy as ignorant and corrupt. Dr. Arillaga replied to this attack in three pamphlets, which are masterpieces of learning, statistics, wit, and sarcasm. Dr. Arillaga was superior of the Jesuits in Mexico, and rector of the College of San Ildefonso. He was arrested by the liberal authorities, together with Bishop Ormaechea, of Vera Cruz, and thrown into the prison of San Ildefonso, where he died.