Information AboutJohn Dee |
For the American college basketball coach, see John Dee (basketball Coach) . For the DC Comics villain and , who left it to Oxford University .]] John Dee ( July 13 , 1527 – 1609 ) was a noted English Mathematician , Astronomer , Astrologer , Geographer , Occultist , and consultant to Queen Elizabeth I . He also devoted much of his life to Alchemy , Divination , and Hermetic Philosophy . Dee straddled the worlds of Science and Magic just as they were becoming distinguishable. One of the most learned men of his time, he had lectured to crowded halls at the University Of Paris when still in his early twenties. John was an ardent promoter of mathematics, a respected astronomer and a leading expert in Navigation , having trained many of those who would conduct England 's Voyages Of Discovery (he coined the term " British Empire "). At the same time, he immersed himself deeply in magic and Hermetic Philosophy , devoting the last third of his life almost exclusively to these pursuits. For Dee, as with many of his contemporaries, these activities were not contradictory, but particular aspects of a consistent world-view. BIOGRAPHY Early life Dee was born in Tower Ward, as well as a gem purported to have magical properties.1 Dee was offered a readership in mathematics at Oxford in 1554, which he declined; he was occupied with writing and perhaps hoping for a better position at court.2 In 1555, Dee became a member of the Worshipful Company Of Mercers , as his father had, through the company's system of Patrimony .3 That same year, 1555, he was arrested and charged with "calculating" for having cast Horoscope s of Queen Mary and Princess Elizabeth ; the charges were expanded to Treason against Mary.4 Dee appeared in the Star Chamber and exonerated himself, but was turned over to the reactionary Catholic Bishop Bonner for religious examination. His strong and lifelong penchant for secrecy perhaps worsening matters, this entire episode was only the most dramatic in a series of attacks and slanders that would dog Dee through his life. Clearing his name yet again, he soon became a close associate of Bonner. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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