John Wilkins

John Wilkins Biography

John Wilkins (1614-1672) was an English clergyman, natural philosopher, and writer who made significant contributions to a range of fields, including theology, language, and science.

Born in Fawsley, Northamptonshire, Wilkins was educated at Oxford University and became a fellow of Wadham College. He later served as master of Trinity College, Cambridge and was appointed Bishop of Chester in 1668.

Wilkins was a key figure in the intellectual circles of his time, and he was a member of the Royal Society, as well as a founder of the Philosophical College, a precursor to the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Among his notable works are "An Essay towards a Real Character and a Philosophical Language" (1668), which proposed a universal language based on mathematical principles, and "Mathematical Magick" (1648), a book on natural philosophy and occult practices.

Wilkins was also known for his interest in astronomy, and he was involved in the publication of the first English edition of Galileo's "Dialogues Concerning Two New Sciences" (1661).

Overall, Wilkins was a prominent figure in the scientific and intellectual community of 17th-century England, and his work helped pave the way for advances in a range of fields.

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