John Theophilus Desaguliers

John Theophilus Desaguliers
John Theophilus Desaguliers (1683–1744)
Born
Jean Théophile Desaguliers

(1683-03-12)12 March 1683
Died29 February 1744(1744-02-29) (aged 60)
Alma materChrist Church, Oxford
Known forDissemination of Newtonian ideas, planetarium, ventilation, hydraulics, steam engines
AwardsFRS (1714)
Copley Medal (1734, 1736, 1741)
Scientific career
FieldsNatural philosophy
Engineering
InstitutionsUniversity of Oxford
Academic advisorsJohn Keill
Notable studentsStephen Demainbray
Willem 's Gravesande
Stephen Gray

John Theophilus Desaguliers FRS (12 March 1683 – 29 February 1744) was a French-born British natural philosopher, clergyman, engineer and freemason who was elected to the Royal Society in 1714 as experimental assistant to Isaac Newton. He had studied at Oxford and later popularized Newtonian theories and their practical applications in public lectures. Desaguliers's most important patron was James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos. As a Freemason, Desaguliers was instrumental in the success of the first Grand Lodge in London in the early 1720s and served as its third Grand Master.