John Hawkins (grammarian) facts for kids
John Hawkins (born around 1587, died around 1641) was an English doctor, writer, and translator. He was known for his work on grammar and for translating books from other languages.
Early Life and Education
John Hawkins was born in Kent, England, around 1587. His father was Sir Thomas Hawkins. John had several brothers, including Henry Hawkins, who became a Jesuit (a member of a Catholic religious order).
John Hawkins chose to study medicine. He traveled to Italy to attend the University of Padua. There, he earned his degree as a doctor of medicine (M.D.).
His Writings and Translations
John Hawkins was a busy writer and translator. He published several books during his lifetime. Many of his works helped people learn Latin grammar.
Here are some of his important works:
- A brief Introduction to Syntax (1631): This book helped people understand how to build sentences in Latin. He translated it from a work by Antonio de Nebrija.
- Discursus de Melancholia Hypochondriaca (1633): This was a medical book he wrote in Latin.
- The Ransome of Time being captive (1634): This book was about how valuable time is. John Hawkins translated it from a Spanish book by Andreas de Soto.
- Dictionary of Latin verbs (1634): He created a dictionary to help people learn Latin verbs.
- Particulæ Latinæ Orationis (1635): This book focused on small Latin words called grammatical particles. It helped students learn how to use them in conversations.
- Paraphrase upon the seaven Penitential Psalms (1635): This was a translation of a religious text from Italian.
Family Life
John Hawkins married a woman named Frances. Her father was Francis Power from Bletchingdon, Oxfordshire. John and Frances had a son named Francis Hawkins, who also became a Jesuit.
