Elias Allen facts for kids
Elias Allen was a very skilled English craftsman. He lived a long time ago, from about 1588 to 1653. He was famous for making special tools. These tools included sundials and other scientific instruments.
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Who Was Elias Allen?
Elias Allen was born in a town called Tonbridge in England. He started learning his craft in London around 1602. He became an apprentice to a clockmaker. An apprentice is someone who learns a skill from a master.
His Workshop and Important Clients
After his teacher passed away, Elias opened his own workshop. His shop was located near a church called St Clement Danes Church on the Strand. This was a busy street in London.
Elias Allen made instruments for very important people. He even created tools for King James I. Later, he made instruments for King Charles I. These kings ruled England during his lifetime. His work was very precise and highly valued.
Working with Smart Minds
Allen also worked with famous mathematicians. Two of these were Edmund Gunter and William Oughtred. These mathematicians designed new tools. Allen then built them with great care. One of his own students was a person named Ralph Greatorex.
Leading the Clockmakers
Elias Allen was also a leader in his field. He served as the Master of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. This was a special group for clockmakers in London. He held this important position from 1637 to 1638.
The First Slide Rule
In 1638, the mathematician William Oughtred wrote a letter to Elias Allen. Oughtred asked Allen to make a special new tool. This tool was the very first known slide rule. A slide rule is a mechanical calculator. It was used for quick math problems before electronic calculators existed.
Oughtred wrote that he had never seen one of these finished tools himself. This shows how new and exciting this invention was. Even though this first slide rule doesn't exist anymore, we have a drawing of it.
His Later Life
Elias Allen passed away in March 1653. He was buried in the same church where his workshop was located, St Clement Danes.
