The Probert Encyclopaedia of People

ELIAS ASHMOLE

Elias Ashmole was an English antiquary. He was born in 1617 and died in 1692. He became a chancery solicitor in London, but afterwards studied at Oxford, taking up mathematics, physics, chemistry, and particularly astrology. He published Theatrum Chymicum in 1652. On the Restoration he received the post of Windsor herald, and other appointments both honourable and lucrative. In 1672 appeared his History of the Order of the Garter. He presented to the University of Oxford his collection of rarities, to which he afterwards added his books and manuscripts, thereby commencing the Ashmolean Museum.
Research Elias Ashmole