Jan Jonston

Jan Jonston

Date of Birth: 09.06.1603
Country: Germany

Content:
  1. Early Life and Education
  2. Return to Poland and Literary Works
  3. The "Theatrum Universale"
  4. Medical Legacy

Early Life and Education

John Jonston, a European physician and natural historian, was born into a Scottish family that had settled in Poland. He spent his childhood and youth in Poland, departing for Scotland in 1622 to pursue studies in philosophy and Hebrew.

Jonston served as a tutor in prominent British families before enrolling in medical schools at Frankfurt an der Oder, Wittenberg, and Leipzig. He embarked on extensive travels across England, the Netherlands, Italy, and France, earning his doctorate from the University of Leiden in 1634.

Return to Poland and Literary Works

In 1636, Jonston returned to Poland and settled in Leszno, where he practiced as a physician and closely befriended the renowned educator Jan Amos Comenius. With the advent of the Swedish army in 1656, he relocated to the southern town of Lubin, where he spent the remainder of his days.

Jonston left behind a prolific body of scientific literature, including works of an encyclopedic nature. His "Thaumatographia Naturalis" (1630), detailing the wonders of nature, was extensively republished and translated into English in 1657. Other notable works include "Naturae Constantia" (1633), arguing for the immutability of the natural world, and "Idea Universae Medicinae Practicae" (1632), a comprehensive treatise on practical medicine.

The "Theatrum Universale"

Jonston's "Theatrum Universale Historiae Naturalis" (1650-1653), heavily influenced by the works of Conrad Gesner, became a defining encyclopedia of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The seven volumes covered birds, aquatic creatures, fish and whales, quadrupeds, insects, snakes, and a supplementary volume on insects, snakes, and dragons. It enjoyed widespread popularity and was reprinted in various European countries until the end of the 18th century.

Medical Legacy

Jonston's medical investigations left a lasting mark on the field. The term "Area Jonstoni" is sometimes used to describe focal alopecia areata, a type of hair loss.

© BIOGRAPHS