John Swinton (1703–1777) facts for kids
John Swinton (born 1703, died 1777) was a smart British writer and scholar. He was also a Church of England priest and studied ancient languages and cultures, especially from the Middle East. He was a member of the important Royal Society. Swinton studied at Oxford University, first at Wadham College, Oxford and later at Christ Church. He helped write a big book called Universal History. He also wrote about the ancient city of Palmyra. Later in his life, from 1767 until he passed away, he was in charge of the old records and documents at Oxford University, a job called Keeper of the Archives.
John Swinton's Life and Studies
John Swinton was born in Cheshire, England. He started his studies at Wadham College, Oxford in 1719. He worked hard and became a scholar there. He earned his first degree in 1723 and a master's degree in 1726.
Swinton became a priest in the Church of England in 1727. He also became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1728. This is a group for important scientists and thinkers. For a short time, he worked as a chaplain in Livorno, Italy. He traveled around Europe, visiting cities like Florence, Venice, and Vienna, before returning to Oxford.
In 1745, Swinton moved to Christ Church, Oxford, another college at Oxford University. He continued his studies there. In 1767, he was chosen to be the Keeper of the Archives for Oxford University. This meant he looked after all the important historical documents and records of the university. He held this job until he died on April 4, 1777. He was buried at Wadham College.
John Swinton's Writings and Research
John Swinton was a very active writer and researcher. He published several books and essays on different topics, especially about ancient languages and history.
Some of his published works include:
- De Linguæ Etruriæ Regalis Vernacula Dissertatio, Oxford, 1738. (This was about the ancient Etruscan language.)
- A Critical Essay concerning the Words Δαιμων and Δαιμονιον, London, 1739. (This discussed the meaning of certain Greek words.)
- De priscis Romanorum literis Dissertatio, Oxford, 1746. (This was about ancient Roman writing.)
- Inscriptiones Citieæ, Oxford, 1750. (This focused on inscriptions from the ancient city of Kition.)
- De nummis quibusdam Samaritanis et Phœniciis, 1750. (This was about Samaritan and Phoenician coins.)
- Metilia, Oxford, 1750.
Swinton also wrote many articles for the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society. This was a very important scientific journal of his time. For example, he wrote a series of letters in 1753 explaining all the writings found in the ancient city of Palmyra. He also helped write parts of George Sale's Universal History, a huge book that covered the history of the world.
