COVARRUBIAS, Francisco Diaz (co-var-roo'-be-as), Mexican astronomer, born in Jalapa in 1888. He distinguished himself as a student in the mining-school, where he was graduated in 1854, and became assistant professor of mathematics there. President Cominfort appointed him chief engineer for the topographical survey of the valley of Mexico, and the final results of his commission were the topographical map of the Federal district, the hydrographic map of the valley of Mexico, and the accurate ascertainment of the geographic position of the City of Mexico. He retired to private life for some time, and President .Juarez gave him the office of chief engineer and superintendent of public roads. He was also chief astronomer of the National observatory of Chapultepee. He resigned this office at the time of the French invasion, but Juarez appointed him assistant secretary of public works in 1867, and President Lerdo sent him to Japan to observe the transit of Venus, 8 December, 1874. He went to Paris in 1875, and represented the Mexican geographical society at the geographical congress, then being made a member of the German astronomical society. On his return to Mexico he published a book relating to his observations of the transit of Venus, and President Diaz sent him as Mexican minister to the five Central American republics, where he remained for two years, aiding Diaz in the persecutions against the refugees from Mexico, and almost bringing about serious international complications. On account of this and of an unfortunate incident, he left Guatemala in haste. He went to Europe in 1881, and represented Mexico at the Geographical congress in Venice, and also at that of electricians in Paris, and was appointed consul-general of Mexico. He has been professor of mathematics, geodesy, and astronomy in the National school of engineers, and also filled the chair of natural philosophy in the National preparatory school. He has published scientific works, the principal ones being "La posieidn geografica de Mejico," "Tablas geodesicas para las latitudes de la Repdblica Mejieana," "Tratado de topografia, geodesia y astronomia," "Nuevos metodos astrondmicos," and "Elementos de analisis trascendente."