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Questions about John Harris (writer)

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When was John Harris born and where did he live?

John Harris entered the world around 1666 in Shropshire. He lived within Trinity College, Oxford from 1684 until 1688.

What scientific discovery is attributed to John Harris?

John Harris published the very first description of a bdelloid rotifer in the Philosophical Transactions. The Royal Society elected him as a Fellow in 1696 for this work with the microscope.

Why did John Harris deliver the Boyle Lectures in 1698?

John Harris delivered the seventh series of the Boyle Lectures in 1698 to defend religious belief through reason. His lecture title read Atheistical Objections against the Being of God and His Attributes fairly considered and fully refuted.

Where did John Harris teach mathematics between 1702 and 1704?

John Harris taught mathematics at the Marine Coffee House in Birchin Lane, London between 1702 and 1704. He advertised his services as a mathematical tutor from Amen Corner during this period.

When did John Harris die and what was his financial situation?

John Harris died on the 7th of September 1719 after years of financial mismanagement. Friends said he lived in poverty due to his own bad handling of affairs despite holding various church appointments.

What unfinished work did John Harris complete before his death?

At his death, John Harris completed an elaborate History of Kent in Five Parts. Only the first volume saw publication by D Midwinter of St Paul's Churchyard, London while the rest remained unfinished when he passed away in 1719.