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Boyle (ROBERT a celebrated natural)

ROBERT, a celebrated natural philosopher, born at Lismore , Ireland, in 1626; was the seventh son of Richard, the first Earl of Cork. After finishing his studies at Eton he traveled 1644, he settled in the manor at Stalfor some on the Continent, till, in bridge, Dorsetshire, which his father had left him. Here he devoted himself to scientific studies, to chemistry and natural philosophy in particular. He was one of the first members of the society founded in 1645, afterward known as the Royal Society. At Oxford, to which he had gone in 1652, he occupied himself in making improvements on the air pump, by means of which he demonstrated the elasticity of air. He began the study of those Oriental languages which contain the origins of Christianity, and formed connections with such eminent scholars as Pococke , Clarke , Barlow, etc. He also instituted public lectures, known as the Boyle Lectures, for proving the Christian religion. The first series was delivered by Richard Bentley. He died in 1691, and was interred in Westminster Abbey. 10-Vol. II-Cyc BOYLE'S LAW: