Francis Potter facts for kids
Francis Potter (born 1594, died 1678) was a clever English person who did many things! He was a painter, a clergyman (which means a church leader), someone who studied the Bible, and an experimentalist (a person who does experiments). He was also one of the first members of a very important group called the Royal Society.
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Early Life and Education
Francis Potter was born on May 29, 1594, in a place called Mere, Wiltshire. His father, Richard Potter, was also a church leader. Francis went to school at the King's School, Worcester.
In 1609, he went to Trinity College, Oxford to study. His older brother, Hannibal Potter, was also there. Francis earned his first degree in 1613 and a master's degree in 1616. Later, in 1625, he earned another degree. After his father passed away in 1628, Francis became the rector (another type of church leader) of Kilmington, Wiltshire.
Later Life and Royal Society
Francis Potter managed to stay safe during the English Civil War. On November 11, 1663, he became a member of the Royal Society. This was soon after the society was first created.
Francis became almost blind as he got older. He never married and passed away in April 1678. He was buried in the church at Kilmington. His friend, John Aubrey, described him as looking "like a monk." He also said Francis had a "pretty long visaged, and pale clear skin, gray eie."
His Writings
Francis Potter developed a special idea about the Number 666. He thought it was connected to Catholic groups. He wrote down his ideas in a manuscript. In 1637, a scholar named Joseph Mead read it. Mead thought it was an amazing discovery!
Francis's book, An Interpretation of the Number 666, was published in 1642. It had a special picture on the front. Anthony Wood said the book was translated into French, Dutch, and Latin. One Latin translation was printed in Amsterdam in 1677. The book was printed again in 1808.
Potter's work was important for over a hundred years.
His Experiments and Inventions
Francis Potter was very interested in experiments and inventions.
Inventing Tools
He made quadrants, which are tools used for measuring angles. These had a special compass he invented himself. He gave some of these to his friend Aubrey.
Studying Bees
He also did experiments with bees. He even showed Aubrey their tiny thighs using a microscope!
Blood Transfusion Ideas
Around 1640, he thought about blood transfusion, which is when blood is moved from one person to another. He later shared his findings with the Royal Society through Aubrey. Some people think Francis Potter's early work on blood transfusion was more important than previously thought.
Other Creations
He built a sundial on the north side of Trinity College. A sundial tells time using the sun's shadow. He also enjoyed drawing and painting. Aubrey mentioned that Francis designed a tool for drawing things in perspective. This tool was later invented again by Christopher Wren. Francis also loved playing chess with his friend Colonel Bishop.
