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John Theophilus Desaguliers
Physicist

John Theophilus Desaguliers

Famoose for

Bringing Newtonian science to public audiences through experimental lectures.

Dissertation concerning Electricity · Ventilation

Born
12 March 1683
Birthplace
La Rochelle
Died
29 February 1744

More people

Marie CurieDiscovering polonium and radium.Albert EinsteinDeveloping the theory of relativity.Charles DarwinExplaining evolution through natural selection.

John Theophilus Desaguliers

John Theophilus Desaguliers was a French-born British natural philosopher and engineer who combined scientific demonstrations with practical work on water supply and ventilation.

Early life

Education

His Huguenot family left France; he later studied at Christ Church, Oxford.

Career

  1. 1712

    Public lectures

    Began advertising experimental-philosophy courses in London.

  2. 1714

    Royal Society

    Became its experimental demonstrator and a fellow.

  3. 1734–1741

    Recognition

    Received three Copley Medals.

Contributions

Dissertation concerning Electricity

Distinguished electrical conductors and insulators.

Ventilation

Designed a blowing wheel to remove stale air from the House of Commons.

Beyond research

Clergy

Was ordained as a priest in 1717.

Family

Married Joanna Pudsey in 1712.

Sources & photo creditBiography and career ↗Biographical references ↗

Original photograph. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.

Photo: Artistic portrait; Jonathan Richardson. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.