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The 18th century was a period marked by significant scientific and geographical discoveries, and one notable figure during this time was Alejandro Malaspina. An Italian-born explorer in the service of Spain, Malaspina led a groundbreaking scientific expedition that spanned 1789 to 1794. With the support of the Spanish crown, he charted vast regions of the Pacific Ocean and South America, contributing extensively to the fields of oceanography, cartography, and botany.