John Harvey (astrologer) facts for kids
John Harvey (born 1564, died 1592) was an English expert in astrology and a doctor. He lived during the time of Queen Elizabeth I.
His Life Story
John Harvey was born in a town called Saffron Walden in Essex, England. He was baptized on February 13, 1564. His father, also named John Harvey, was a master ropemaker. John had two older brothers, Gabriel Harvey and Richard Harvey, who were also well-known.
When he was about 14, John went to Queens' College, Cambridge, in June 1578. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1580 and a master's degree (M.A.) in 1584.
In 1587, Cambridge University gave him a special license to work as a doctor. He started his medical practice in King's Lynn, a town in Norfolk.
A writer named Robert Greene once wrote some unkind things about John Harvey and his family in 1592. John's brother, Gabriel Harvey, wrote a strong defense of his family. Gabriel described John as a "skillful physician" and a "proper toward man." He also mentioned that John had a medical degree from Cambridge. John Harvey passed away in July 1592, at the age of 29, shortly after returning to King's Lynn from Norwich.
What He Wrote
John Harvey published several interesting works during his lifetime:
- An astrological addition or supplement: This book was published in 1583. It was an addition to a work by his brother, Richard Harvey. It also included a translation of an ancient text about "Physical Mathematiques," which combined medicine and mathematics.
- A Discoursive Probleme concerning Prophesies: Published in 1588, this book discussed how much people should believe or value prophecies.
- An Almanacke or annual Calendar: This was an almanac, or yearly calendar, for the year 1589. It also included a short "Prognostication," which means a forecast or prediction.
