It was located in the building of the Royal Academy of Medical, Physical and Natural Sciences of Havana. It was headed by Felipe Poey Aloy as President and Antonio Mestre Domínguez, as Secretary. It was integrated by outstanding Cuban personalities among whom were Enrique José Varona, Antonio Bachiller y Morales, Luis Montané and Juan Sánchez Fernández. During his tenure, he carried out a remarkable scientific activity in promoting the knowledge of anthropology in the country. It enjoyed recognition in the scientific world of the last quarter of the 19th century, due to the number of papers presented at its sessions, the depth of its discussions and the prestige of its founding members and those who later joined its ranks. 

Antonio Mestre Domínguez

He was born in Havana on October 18, 1834. In his professional career he worked as a legist, pediatrician and thinker. He was one of the main promoters of a code of conduct for physicians. He was among the members of the Royal Academy of Medical, Physical and Natural Sciences of Havana, where he was secretary and founding director of its Annals. He died in Havana on July 10, 1887.