Thomas Harriot
Thomas Harriot was a prominent English scholar and author born in Oxfordshire in the late 16th century, known for his contributions to navigation and science. After graduating from Oxford University in 1580, he became associated with Sir Walter Raleigh, serving various roles including ship designer and navigational instructor. Harriot gained recognition for his navigational expertise and played a key role in Raleigh's 1585 expedition to Virginia, where he produced detailed records that became foundational to North American history. Later, he worked for Henry Percy, the Ninth Earl of Northumberland, which allowed him to focus on scientific research.
His scientific achievements were significant, including advancements in the theory of Sine Law, studies on light refraction, and important observations of celestial bodies, such as lunar and solar drawings. He also recorded the appearance of what is now known as Halley's comet and invented an early version of a scientific instrument that influenced the development of the telescope. Despite being regarded as a master of true knowledge, much of his work has become obscure due to the loss of his scientific journals. Harriot's legacy reflects both his innovative spirit and the challenges of preserving historical scientific contributions.
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Thomas Harriot
- Born: 1560
- Birthplace: Oxford, England
- Died: July 2, 1621
- Place of death: London, England
Biography
Thomas Harriot, a sixteenth century scholar and author, was born in Oxfordshire, England, the son of a commoner. In 1577, he began studies at St. Mary’s Hall, Oxford University, England. He graduated from Oxford University in 1580 and moved to London, where he joined the household of Sir Walter Raleigh. Harriot served as Raleigh’s ship designer, accountant, and navigational instructor. As a sea navigator, Harriot introduced new observational practices and reconciled many existing problematic navigational calculations. He developed a reputation as the best navigational expert in Europe.
In 1585, at the age of twenty-five, Harriot served as cartographer, historian, and surveyor for Raleigh’s expedition to the North American land of Virginia. Harriot’s outstandingly accurate and detailed records of this expedition were published in his work A Briefe and True Report of the New Found Land of Virginia. This work was hailed as the cornerstone of North American history.
In the late 1500’s, Harriot served briefly as Raleigh’s manger of estates in Waterford, Ireland. Upon his return to England in 1593, Harriot became employed by Henry Percy, the Ninth Earl of Northumberland. Under Percy’s employment, Harriot received a lifelong landholding as well as a substantial pension. This newfound money and security enabled Harriot to devote his time to scientific studies.
Harriot’s scientific accomplishments were numerous and included the development of the theory of Sine Law and the refraction of light; the identification of the trajectory of a projectile; the recording of lunar and solar drawings, as well as the 1607 apparition of what later became known as Haley’s comet; the first recordings of solar spots; and the invention of a crude scientific instrument he called the “perspective trunk,” which later became the basis for the invention of the telescope.
Thomas Harriot lived the later years of his life learning, exploring, and inventing until his death in 1621. Although Harriot was described as the master of all essential and true knowledge, the majority of his accomplishments still remain obscure as many of his scientific journals perished or were rendered unreadable due to the destructive effects of time.