Kenelm Digby ( 1603 - 1665 )

Birth: Gayhurst, Buckinghamshire, England, Europe (11 July 1603) Death: Covent Garden, London, England, Europe (11 June 1665) Burial: Christ Church, Newgate Street, London, England, Europe Occupation: Author Diplomat Sailor Research Field: Natural philosophy; Chemistry Education: Gloucester Hall, Oxford (1618); Gray's Inn (1619); Peterhouse, Cambridge; MA (on the King's visit 1624) Career: Sailed to Spain with his relative, Sir John Digby (1617-1618); travelled in France, Italy and Spain (1620-1623); gave three addresses to the 'Accademia dei Filomati' in Siena; became gentleman of the privy chamber to Prince Charles (1623); commissioner of the 'Eage' and the 'George and Elizabeth'; appointed Junior Principal Officer of the Navy (1630); studied chemistry and became involved in alchemy (1633-1635); arrested by Parliament (7 August 1642; 12 November 1642-30 Julu 1643); wrote his treatises 'Two treatises, in the one of which the nature of bodies, in the other the nature of man's soul is looked into: in way of discovery of the immortality of reasonable souls' (1642-1643); banished to France (1643-1654); permitted to return to England (January 1654) and received a pension; published translation of 'Of Adhering to God' (1654); confidant and ambassador of Cromwell (1655-1658); Chancellor to Queen Henrietta Honours: Kt 28 October 1623 Membership: Original Fellow Election Date: 22/04/1663 Council: Sworn in 3 June 1663.