Athanasius Kircher

Athanasius Kircher (sometimes spelt Kirchner) (May 2 1601?–27 November 1680) was a 17th century German Jesuit scholar who published around 40 works, most notably in the fields of oriental studies, geology and medicine. He made an early study of Egyptian hieroglyphs. He was ahead of his time in proposing that the plague was caused by an infectious microorganism and in suggesting effective measures to prevent the spread of the disease. A scientific star in his day, towards the end of his life he was eclipsed by the rationalism of René Descartes and others. In the late 20th century, however, the aesthetic qualities of his work have again begun to be appreciated. One scholar, Edward Schmidt, has called him "the last Renaissance man".

Related Topics:
May 2 - 1601 - 27 November - 1680 - 17th century - German - Jesuit - Scholar - Oriental studies - Geology - Medicine - Egyptian hieroglyph - Plague - Microorganism - Rationalism - René Descartes - 20th century - Aesthetic - Edward Schmidt - Renaissance man

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