John Wilkins Encyclopedia Article

John Wilkins

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The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.

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John Wilkins

1614-1672

English mathematician and inventor who studied at Oxford and became an Anglican clergyman. During the English Civil War he sided with parliament, which helped him obtain a Wardenship at Oxford. He married Robina, sister of Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658). He promoted group discussion among scientists, and was a founder and first secretary of the Royal Society. Wilkins published works on astronomy, mechanical devices, linguistics, and codes and ciphers. He developed a new plough, a transparent beehive, an improved carriage, and many other machines.