Thomas Walkington facts for kids
Thomas Walkington was an English writer and a church leader who lived a long time ago, in the late 1500s and early 1600s. He passed away in 1621.
Life and Education
Thomas Walkington was born in Lincoln, a city in England. He went to Cambridge University for his studies. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1597 and a master's degree (M.A.) in 1600.
In 1603, he became a fellow at St. John's College, Cambridge. This meant he was a special member of the college, often involved in teaching or research. He later continued his studies at Oxford University, earning another degree (B.D.) in 1611. He then received his highest degree (D.D.) from Cambridge in 1613.
Walkington also worked as a church leader. He became the vicar of Raunds, Northamptonshire, in 1608. In 1610, he became the rector of Wadingham St. Mary, Lincolnshire. Later, in 1615, he was appointed vicar of Fulham, Middlesex. He died in 1621.
His Writings
Thomas Walkington wrote several books. One of his most interesting works was called The Optick Glasse of Humors. This book talked about the four main types of human moods or personalities: sanguine (cheerful), choleric (easily angered), phlegmatic (calm), and melancholic (sad). It was like an early guide to understanding different temperaments.
This book was published in 1607. It was dedicated to a person named Sir Justinian Lewin. Later editions of the book came out, some with detailed pictures on the title page. These pictures showed students from Cambridge and Oxford holding a special "optic glass" or "touchstone," which was a tool for understanding these moods.
Walkington also wrote other books, mostly about religious topics. These included:
- An Exposition of the two first verses of the sixth chapter to the Hebrews (1609)
- Theologicall Rules to guide us in the Understanding and Practice of Holy Scriptures (1615)
- Rabboni, Mary Magdalen's Teares of Sorrow (1620)
