Dee

John Dee

Born: 13 July 1527 in London, England
Died: Dec 1608 in Mortlake, Surrey, England

Previous (Chronologically) Next     Biographies Index

Previous ( Alphabetically) Next          Welcome page
Dee was educated at Cambridge, then travelled on the Continent (1547-1550). In a number of visits he studied with Gemma Frisius and Gerardus Mercator. He became astrologer to queen Mary but was imprisoned for being a magician. He was released in 1555.

Dee wrote on navigation and instruments of navigation. He edited an edition of Euclid and also wrote on calendar reform. Later in his career he became interested in astrology and alchemy, and he gave up other work for this. The lack of reaction of others to his scientific work drove him in the direction of alchemy which he saw as a quick way to glory. Dee visited Poland and Bohemia (1583-89), giving displays of magic at the courts of princes.

References:

  1. Dictionary of Scientific Biography
  2. Biography in Encyclopaedia Britannica
  3. R Deacon, John Dee : scientist, geographer, astrologer and secret agent to Elizabeth I (London, 1968).
  4. C F Smith, John Dee (1527-1608) (London, 1909).
  5. N H Clulee, John Dee's natural philosophy : between science and religion (London, 1988).
Previous (Chronologically) Next     Biographies Index

Previous ( Alphabetically) Next          Welcome page

History Topics Index              Famous curves index

Chronologies                           Birthplace Map

Mathematicians of the day  Anniversaries for the year

Search Form   Simple Search Form   Search Suggestions
JOC/EFR March 1996