Peter Ball (physician) facts for kids
Peter Ball (sometimes spelled Balle) was an important English doctor who lived in the 1600s. He was known for his work in medicine and science.
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Early Life and Education
Peter Ball was the third son of Sir Peter Ball, a lawyer from a place called Mamhead in Devon, England. Peter followed in his father's footsteps at first. In 1652, when he was around 13 years old, he started studying law at the Middle Temple in London. By 1657, he became a lawyer.
Studying Medicine Abroad
Even though he was a lawyer, Peter Ball was very interested in medicine. In 1659, when he was 20, he began studying to be a doctor at Leyden University. He then moved to Padua University, which was famous for medicine. There, in 1660, he earned a special degree in medicine and philosophy. He did so well that people even wrote poems about him!
A Member of Important Societies
Peter Ball was recognized for his knowledge and skills. In 1664, he became an honorary member of the Royal College of Physicians, a group for top doctors in England.
Founding the Royal Society
He was also one of the first members of the Royal Society, a very famous group of scientists. In 1666, he became part of their main council. The next year, he helped organize the library of Arundel House, which was a big collection of books and old papers given to the Royal Society.
Scientific Observations
Peter Ball wasn't just a doctor; he was also a keen observer of the natural world.
Observing Saturn's Rings
In October 1665, while he was in Mamhead, Peter Ball and his older brother, William, made an interesting discovery. They were looking at the planet Saturn through a telescope. At that time, Saturn's famous rings looked like they had disappeared from Earth's view because we were seeing them edge-on. But Peter and William noticed a thin band or "fascia" across the planet. This observation helped scientists understand more about Saturn's rings.
Later Life
Peter Ball passed away in July 1675. He was buried on July 20 at Temple Church in London.
