John Theophilus Desaguliers (Q387455)
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* 1683-03-12, + 1744-02-29, French; emigrated to London 1690, French-born British natural philosopher and clergyman
| Language | Label | Description | Also known as |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | John Theophilus Desaguliers |
* 1683-03-12, + 1744-02-29, French; emigrated to London 1690, French-born British natural philosopher and clergyman |
Statements
Education: his father's French School in Islington, Middlesex until 1699; taught by William Saunders in Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire; matriculated at Christ Church, Oxford 1705; BA 1709; MA 1712; bachelor/doctor of laws 1719, incorporated at Cambridge 1726; fellow of Royal Society 1714
Patrons: James Brydges (duke of Chandos) - his most valuable patron, gave him rectory of Stanmore Parva; Desaguliers developed many inventions for Brydges in return. The relationship diminished due to Desaguliers's failure to perform his clerical duties
Periodicals etc.: wrote prolifically for Philosophical Transactions
Overall: Desaguliers was a successful natural philospher, lecturer, and engineer who promoted Newtonian ideas. He was also a lukewarm clergyman; his clerical preferments reveal his skill at acquiring sources of income rather than his commitment to the religious life. He had many lucrative connections through his membership with the freemasons and the Royal society, and was skilled at acquiring aristocratic patronage. His only poem, The Newtonian System, is an example of poetry used solely as a vehicle for flattery in order to secure monetary support. He used money from his patrons in order to subsidize his inventions and experiments. Because he continually spent more than he earned, he also turned to engineering to supplement his income.
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- wikidatawiki Q658008