John Ray (1627–1705)

Naturalist and theologian. Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, 1649–62. Ordained priest, 1660, but did not accept a church position. Studied natural philosophy, especially botany, with the support of Francis Willoughby. Travelled through England, Scotland, and Wales in the summers of 1660 to 1663, and in mainland Europe with Willoughby, 1663–6. Produced a catalogue of English plants, and collaborated with Willoughby on several natural history works and accounts of their travels. Developed a system of classification. A proponent of natural theology. FRS 1667.