John Beale (writer) facts for kids

John Beale (born around 1608 – died 1683) was an English clergyman and a writer who focused on science. He was also an early member of the Royal Society, a famous group for scientists. John Beale helped write a book called Sylva, or A Discourse of Forest-Trees and the Propagation of Timber with John Evelyn. He was also well-known for his writings about orchards (places where fruit trees grow) and cider (a drink made from apples). He was part of a group of thinkers called the Hartlib Circle.

About John Beale's Life

Early Life and Education

John Beale was born in Yarkhill, Herefordshire, England. His father, Thomas Beale, was a lawyer and farmer. His mother was Joanna Pye. John was also related to Robert Pye and Walter Pye.

He went to the King's School, Worcester, where his teacher, Henry Bright, helped him study the works of Erasmus. After that, he studied at Eton College. In 1629, he went to King's College, Cambridge.

John Beale once said he had a "photographic memory," meaning he could remember things very easily and clearly. He read many books by important thinkers like Melanchthon, Johannes Magirus, and Zacharias Ursinus. He even taught philosophy to students at King's College for two years.

Becoming a Scholar

John Beale earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1633 and his master's degree (M.A.) in 1636. He was a Fellow (a kind of academic position) at King's College from 1632 to 1640. In the late 1630s, he traveled around Europe. In 1638, he became the rector (a type of priest) of Sock Dennis, a place in Somerset.

In 1656, Beale suggested an "art of memory" (a way to improve memory) to Samuel Hartlib. Hartlib was so impressed that he wrote to Robert Boyle in 1658, saying that Beale was a truly unique person. In 1660, John Beale became the rector of Yeovil, also in Somerset.

In January 1663, John Beale was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This was a big honor, as the Royal Society is a group dedicated to promoting science.

John Beale's Writings

John Beale wrote several important works, especially about farming and science. Here are some of his key writings:

• Aphorisms concerning Cider: This work was printed in John Evelyn's book Sylva in 1664. It gave advice and ideas about making cider. Later versions of Sylva called it General Advertisements concerning Cider.
• Herefordshire Orchards, a Pattern for all England: This book was written in 1656 as a letter to Samuel Hartlib. It showed how orchards in Herefordshire could be a great example for the rest of England. It was later printed again in books by Richard Bradley in 1724 and 1739.
• Papers in the Philosophical Transactions: John Beale also wrote articles for the Philosophical Transactions, which is one of the oldest scientific journals in the world.
• Letters to Robert Boyle: His letters to the famous scientist Robert Boyle were collected and printed in the fifth volume of Boyle's collected works.