Person Becker; Balthasar (1634 - 1698); clergyman and theologian Becker Balthasar clergyman and theologian Bekker 1634 - 1698 Dutch Male Metslawier, Noardeast-Fryslân, Friesland, Netherlands, Europe 30 March 1634 16340330 Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands, Europe 11 June 1698 16980611

Clergyman, Dutch Calvinist; Theologian Education: Groningen, under Jacob Alting; Doctorate in Theology (1665); University of Franeker (1666) Career: Pastor in Oosterlittens (1657); Moved to Loenen (1674); moved to Weesp (1676); preacher in Amsterdam (1679); travelled to England and France (1683); publishes De Betoverde Weereld (1691-1693). Parents: Hericus Bekker Dsiciple of René Descartes, whose application of Cartesian metaphysics and disapproval of Biblical literlism put him at odds with the Dutch Reformed Church. He became famous for his work De Betoverde Weereld (1691-1693), or The World Bewitched (1695), where he argued against the existence of ghosts, witches, and devils, railing against the idea of possession by the devil. Bekker became a key figure in the end of the witchcraft persecution in early modern Europe. He was interest in fortification and mathematics. Fellow 06/07/1698 Sir Hans Sloane Sources: Bulloch's Roll; Hunter; Jocher; Frank, G., "Bekker, Balthasar" in: Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie 2 (1875), pp. 299-300 [URL: https://www.deutsche-biographie.de/pnd119016915.html#adbcontent; last accessed 08 November 2023]; Early Modern Letters Online [URL: http://emlo.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/profile/person/44c42ce8-8385-46c3-88b1-87e0e431817d?sort=score-d&everything=balthasar%20bekker&baseurl=/forms/quick&type=quick&numFound=438&start=0; last accessed 08/11/2023] Notes: Proposed by Sir Hans Sloane. Hunter gives a tentative identification, though he admits it is unlikely. Printed list (1698-1703) calls him 'Ds Balthazar Becker [Becher] MD', but JBC vol 9 p92 states that 'Dr Christopher Becker' was proposed 18 May 1698 by Sloane, JBC vol 9 p101 'Dr Becker' elected, CMC vol 2 pp132-3 'Dr Becker' approved 11 May 1698 and elected 6 July 1698 Hirsch has a Daniel Christoph Beckher or Becker (1658-1691), son and grandson of doctors, who travelled for several years through Germany France, Italy and England, was MD Utrecht (1684) and Professor of Medicine at Konigsberg (1686). It seems possible that this Christopher (or Balthasar) Becker was his son. Becker B, IM000311.jpg ©The Royal Society International Standard Archival Authority Record for Corporate Bodies, Persons and Families - ISAAR(CPF) - Ottawa 1996 ISBN 0-9696035-3-3 National Council on Archives, Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997 https://pictures.royalsociety.org/results?mi_search_type=adv&mi_adv_search=yes&adv_person_id=AUTH682 fl 1698 The past Fellows entries are under continuous revision. If you have queries or additional information to contribute, please contact Library@royalsociety.org. Content in external sources is not controlled by the Royal Society and historical sources may include content that is now unacceptable. Reviewed on 08/11/2023 as part of the Name Authority Project update. NA7374 21/11/2001 Andyg pmab 04/06/2025 RS_NET\VidaM Yes http://viaf.org/viaf/34592037 1c43a707-13e8-4a36-9f3d-18af86a673e0