Rawlins Dring facts for kids
Rawlins Dring was an English physician who lived in the 1600s. He was known for his studies and writings about science and medicine during a time when many new ideas were being explored.
Contents
Who Was Rawlins Dring?
Rawlins Dring was born in a place called Bruton, Somerset, in England. His father's name was Samuel Dring. Rawlins went to Wadham College, Oxford, which is a famous university.
His Time at Oxford University
At Oxford, Rawlins Dring was a very good student. He became a "scholar," which means he was recognized for his academic achievements. In 1682, he also became a "fellow" of the college. This meant he was a member of the teaching staff or a researcher.
He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), on June 27, 1679. A few years later, on May 24, 1682, he earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree. After finishing his studies, he decided to become a doctor.
Where Did He Practice Medicine?
After his time at Oxford, Rawlins Dring started working as a physician. He practiced medicine in a town called Sherborne, which is in Dorset, England.
What Did Rawlins Dring Write?
Rawlins Dring was also an author. He wrote a book with a very long title: Dissertatio Epistolica ad amplissimum virum & clarissimum pyrophilum J. N. Armigerum conscripta; in qua Crystallizationem Salium in unicam et propriam, uti dicunt, figuram, esse admodum incertam, aut accidentalem ex Observationibus etiam suis, contra Medicos & Chymicos hodiernos evincitur.
Why Was His Book Special?
This book was published in 1688 in Amsterdam. The title basically means a letter or discussion about how salts crystallize. Dring argued that the way salts form crystals into a specific shape might not be as fixed as other scientists thought. He believed it could be more random or accidental.
Interestingly, the book was printed in Amsterdam because the College of Physicians in England did not want to approve it. This was because Dring's ideas went against some of the views of another well-known doctor at the time, Dr. Martin Lister. This shows that Dring was not afraid to challenge existing scientific beliefs.