Elias Ashmole
Astrologer and politician with antiquities journal

Born
May 23rd, 1617
407 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1692
332 years ago — 74 years old
Category
Thinkers & Philosophers
Country
United Kingdom
Links & References
An English astrologer and politician, contributed significantly to the study of astrology and antiquities. Served as a key figure in the founding of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, becoming one of the earliest public museums in the world. Authored 'Theatrum Chemicum Brittanicum', a compilation of alchemical texts, which remains a crucial resource for historians of chemistry and astrology. His interest in antiquities led to notable contributions to the historical understanding of various artifacts.
Founded the Ashmolean Museum in 1683
Authored 'Theatrum Chemicum Brittanicum'
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