Edward Cradock facts for kids

Edward Cradock was an English scholar and a person who studied alchemy. He lived in the 1500s. He was known for his deep thinking and his interest in trying to understand the secrets of nature.

Edward Cradock's Life Story

Edward Cradock was born in a place called Staffordshire, England. He went to Christ Church, Oxford, which is a famous university. He earned his first degree in 1556 and a master's degree in 1559.

In 1565, Edward Cradock became a special professor at Oxford. This role was called the Lady Margaret Professor. He taught about religious studies. He also earned two more degrees in divinity (which means religious knowledge) that same year. He stopped being a professor in 1594.

A historian named Anthony Wood wrote about Cradock. He said that Cradock was very interested in "chymistry." This was an old word for what we now call chemistry. Back then, it also included alchemy. Alchemy was an ancient practice that tried to change ordinary metals into gold. People also hoped to find a special substance called the Philosopher's Stone. This stone was believed to make people live forever or cure all diseases.

Cradock spent many years trying to find this Philosopher's Stone. He was also thought to be part of a group called the Rosicrucians. This was a secret society interested in spiritual and alchemical knowledge.

Edward Cradock was friends with John Dee, who was a famous mathematician and alchemist. John Dee visited Cradock in Oxford for three days in 1581.

Edward Cradock's Writings

Edward Cradock wrote several books and papers. In 1571, he published a book called The Shippe of assured Safetie. This book was about religious ideas. A second edition came out in 1572.

He also wrote some Latin poems called sapphics. These poems were included in a translation of a book called Il Galateo by Robert Peterson in 1576.

Cradock also wrote several works about alchemy. These writings are kept as old manuscripts in the Ashmolean museum. Some of his alchemical works include:

• A Treatise of the Philosopher's Stone: This was written in English poetry. He dedicated it to Queen Elizabeth I.
• Tractatus de Lapide Philosophico: This was written in Latin poetry. It was also dedicated to Queen Elizabeth I.
• Documentum et Practica