Nicholas Hill (scientist) facts for kids
Nicholas Hill (born in 1570, died around 1610) was an English thinker. He was interested in how the world works. Some people saw him as a follower of Giordano Bruno, another famous philosopher. Hill is best known for his book, Philosophia epicurea, which came out in 1601.
A Young Thinker's Journey
Nicholas Hill went to school at Merchant Taylors' School, Northwood. Later, he studied at St John's College, Oxford. He started there in 1587. He earned his first degree and became a Fellow in 1590. However, he left his fellowship the next year in 1591.
After his studies, Hill may have worked for Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford. He also received support from Henry Percy, 9th Earl of Northumberland. Some historians believe he became a Catholic. This was a sensitive topic in England at that time. He later left England and lived in Rotterdam with his son.
His Important Book
Nicholas Hill's main work was called Philosophia epicurea, democritiana, theophrastica. This book explored ideas about atomism. Atomism is the idea that everything is made of tiny, unseen particles. It also discussed skepticism, which means questioning things and not accepting them without proof.
The book was made up of 509 short sayings, called aphorisms. Hill got ideas from many thinkers. These included Giordano Bruno, Lullism, Neoplatonism, and Paracelsus. He also used ideas from old classical authors.
Philosophia epicurea was first published in Paris in 1601. Another edition came out in Geneva in 1619. In his book, Hill wrote about an imaginary trip to the Moon. This idea was also explored by Bruno. Hill's book also showed connections to Bruno's other works.
Other thinkers who influenced Hill included Democritus and Hermes Trismegistus. He was also interested in the ideas of William Gilbert. Hill believed in the Copernican view of the universe. This means he thought the Earth moved around the Sun.
His book, Philosophia epicurea, was read by other famous people. The poet John Donne knew about it. It was also mentioned in Anatomy of Melancholy by Robert Burton.
