Person Harris; John (c 1666 - 1719); science writer and Anglican priest Harris John science writer and Anglican priest c 1666 - 1719 British Male Leicester, Leicestershire, East Midlands, England c 1666 1666 Norton Court, Kent, England 07 September 1719 17190907 Burial: Norton Church, Kent, England

Clergyman, Church of England Natural philosophy Dissemination of knowledge Education: Mr William Thomas's School at Leicester; St John's College, Cambridge; BA (1687/8), MA (1691), BD (1699), DD (Lambeth 1706) Career: Fellow of St John's (1691-1702; Ordained deacon (1696), priest (1697); Prebendary of Rochester (1708-1719); Rector of St Mildred, Bread Street, with St Margaret Moses, London (1708-1719); Rector of East Barming, Kent (1715-1717); Perpetual Curate of Strood, Kent (1716-1719); lectured on mathematics in London; engaged in insurance promotions, he died in 1719 while printing The History of Kent. Rumors of his destitution are doubted, as he left books, instruments, and a statue of King William. Parents: Edward Harris, or possibly Fitzharris (c.1648–1681), an army lieutenant Children: Elizabeth By 1698 he was appointed to one of the lectures established by the will of Robert Boyle (FRS 1660) for the confutation of atheism. Held a special interest in scientific instruments, such as the air-pump, that provided the Royal Society with many experiments, as well as in the technology of the Savery engine and in the practical problems of navigation. Caught up in a dispute between the physicians John Woodward and Hans Sloane (1709-10). Royal Society roles: Sec 1709-1710 Fellow 29/04/1696 Sources: Bulloch's Roll; DNB; DSB; Venn References: Simon Schaffer, 'The Glorious Revolution and Medicine in Britain and the Netherlands' in NR 1989 vol 43 pp 167-190 Notes: According to Venn, 'Died in great poverty' Harris J, IM001956.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 doi.org/10.1098/rstl.1695.0036 RCN 43140 RCN 43138 RCN 43142 RCN 43141 https://pictures.royalsociety.org/results?mi_search_type=adv&mi_adv_search=yes&adv_person_id=AUTH3818 https://pictures.royalsociety.org/image-rs-19632 c 1666 - 7 Sep 1719 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 10/01/2024 as part of the Name Authority Project update. NA7540 21/11/2001 Andyg Pmab 10/01/2024 RS_NET\VidaM Yes 4c785e29-91dc-4eb2-9bac-9bf5dd51ab99