Anthony Ascham (astrologer) facts for kids
Anthony Ascham was an English astrologer who lived in the 1500s. He was known for writing books about stars, planets, and how they might affect plants and medicines. He also created almanacs, which were like early calendars with predictions.
About Anthony Ascham
Early Life and Education
Anthony Ascham was born in a place called Kirby Wiske, in Yorkshire, England. His family were farmers, and his father also worked for a local lord.
Anthony went to Cambridge University to study. In 1540, he earned a special degree called a Bachelor of Medicine. This meant he had studied medicine. Later, in 1553, King Edward VI gave him a job as a vicar in Burneston, Yorkshire. Some people think he might have been the brother of another famous scholar named Roger Ascham.
What He Wrote
Anthony Ascham wrote several books and almanacs. These writings often combined his knowledge of medicine with his interest in astrology. Here are some of his notable works:
- A Little Herbal (1550): This book was about herbs and their uses.
- Treatise of Astronomie (1550): This explained how different herbs and medicines were connected to planets, signs, and stars.
- A Treatise of Astronomy (1552): This book talked about the leap year and why it happens. It also explained the movements of the sun and other celestial bodies.
- A Prognostication and an Almanack (1550, 1552, 1555, 1557): These were like yearly guides or calendars. They often included predictions based on the stars.
- Treatise made 1547 of the State and Disposition of the World (1558): This work discussed how the world changes because of the planets. It even tried to figure out the exact time God created the sun, moon, and stars.
Some researchers also believe that Anthony Ascham might have been the author of the Voynich manuscript. This is a very mysterious book written in a strange language that no one has been able to fully understand yet.
