John Beaumont (geologist) facts for kids
John Beaumont (born around 1650, died 1731) was an English doctor and one of the first people to study geology. Geology is the science that looks at Earth's rocks, soil, and how our planet was formed.
About John Beaumont
John Beaumont was a doctor who lived in a place called Ston Easton in Somerset, England. A famous scientist named Robert Hooke encouraged him to study the natural world around Somerset. John Beaumont also explored some unusual beliefs and ideas that were common during his time.
He married Dorothy, who was the daughter of John Speccott from Cornwall.
John Beaumont's Work in Geology
John Beaumont was very interested in geology. He wrote four important letters to the Royal Society, which is a famous group of scientists in London. He sent these letters in 1676, 1681, and 1683.
In his letters, he wrote about many interesting things. He described "rock plants," which were actually crinoid fossils that look like plants. He also wrote about problems affecting farm animals and miners. John Beaumont gave detailed descriptions of some caves in the Mendip Hills, including famous ones like Wookey Hole Caves and Lamb Leer Cavern.
Because of his important work, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society in May 1685. This is a special honor given to top scientists.
Books by John Beaumont
John Beaumont also wrote several books during his life:
- Considerations on a book, entituled The theory of the earth, publisht some years since by the Dr. Burnet (1693)
- A postscript to a book published last year entituled Considerations on Dr. Burnet's Theory of the earth (1694)
- The present state of the universe (1697)
- An Historical Physiological and Theological Treatise of Spirits, Apparitions, Witchcrafts, and Other Magical Practises (1705)
- Gleanings of Antiquities (1724)
See also
- Pit cave
