Person Henshaw; Thomas (1618 - 1700); alchemist and writer Henshaw Thomas alchemist and writer Halophilus 1618 - 1700 British Male Milk Street, London, England, Europe 15 June 1618 16180615 Kensington, London, England, Europe 2 January 1700 17000102 Burial: Kensington parish church, London, England, Europe (6 January 1700)

Barrister; Soldier; Diplomat Diplomat Education: Schools at Barnet and Cripplegate, London (-1634); University College, Oxford (matriculated 1634); Middle Temple (admitted 1638) Career: Joined the King's Army at York (1642); taken prisoner by Parliamentarians but released and went abroad; Major in the French Army and served under Sir Robert Moray (FRS 1663); travelled in Spain and in Italy with John Evelyn (FRS 1663); returned to England (c.1649); called to the Bar at Middle Temple (1654); sold his Middle Temple chamber to Elias Ashmole (FRS 1661) (1658); King's French Secretary and Gentleman of the Privy Chamber in Ordinary (1660); Secretary to the Duke of Richmond on his Embassy to Denmark (1671); prepared for publication Stephen Skinner's 'Etymologicum linguae Anglicanae' (1671) and the second edition 'Aero-Chalinos' (1677); Envoy extraordinary in Denmark (1672-1675) Parents: Benjamin Henshaw and Anne Bonham Siblings: Nathaniel Henshaw (FRS 1663) Married: Anne Darell (née Kipping) Children: six sons and two daughters, one of which, Anne Halsey, survived her parents Henshaw's early life was heavily influenced by the civil war and upon his return to England, he sought scholarly and intellectual pursuits in favour of life in the public eye. He associated closely with John Evelyn (FRS 1663), alchemist Thomas Vaughan, Robert Child, as well as Elias Ashmole (FRS 1661). While Henshaw himself did not publish any alchemist works, his library was used by Ashmole for the latter's 'Theatrum chemicum' (1652) and 'The Way to Bliss' (1658). He also corresponded with Samuel Hartlib through loosely-established 'Christian Learned Society'. Royal Society roles: Secretary 1668-1672; 1675-1677; VP 1676-1680; 1682- ; 1686- ; 1690- ; 1695- Committee and panels: Committee to audit Mr. Colwall's accounts (1677) ; Committee to consider of the best way to dispose of Chelsey [Chelsea] College (1678) Original Fellow 22/04/1663 Sources: Bulloch's Roll; DNB; Foster; Evelyn; ODNB References: G H Turnbull, 'Samuel Hartlib's Influence on the Early History of the Royal Society' in NR 1953 vol 10 pp 101-130 Stephen Pasmore, 'Thomas Henshaw, FRS (1618-1700)' in NR 1981-82 vol 36 pp 177-188, plate Donald R Dickson, 'Thomas Henshaw and Sir Robert Paston's Pursuit of the Red Elixir: An Early Collaboration Between Fellows of the Royal Society' in NR 1997 vol 51 pp 57-76, plate Notes: At the foundation meeting (28 November 1660), a list was put forward of those to be admitted 'before any other', one of whom was 'Mr Henshaw'. The election date is Henshaw's re-election date into the Society after the grant of the second charter in April 1663. All Fellows admitted in a two-month window after this charter, until 22 June 1663, are considered Original Fellows. He was previously mentioned as a member on 6 February 1661. 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=AUTH4010 15 Jun 1618 - 2 Jan 1700 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. 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 17/11/2021 as part of Name Authority Project update. NA8237 21/11/2001 Andyg Pmab 17/02/2026 RS_NET\VidaM Yes http://viaf.org/viaf/53130543 c5c16e39-2f13-427f-85ee-1c6ec7a6901e