Keill, John
| Dates | 1692-1721 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Oxford | ||
| Vocation | Academic | ||
| Place of Birth | Edinburgh | ||
| Marriage | Mary Clements | ||
| Issue | James | ||
| Place of birth | Source | Oxford Dictionary of National Biography |
Studied mathematics and natural philosophy at Edinburgh under David Gregory (1688-1692). Incorporated MA at Oxford (1692), and lectured in experimental and natural philosophy. Elected Fellow of the Royal Society (1701). Repeatedly unsuccessful in his pursuit of a chair at Oxford, and instead sought government patronage. Appointed treasurer of the palatines (1709) and decipherer to Queen Anne (1711). Eventually elected to Savilian chair of astronomy at Oxford (1712) and created MD (1713). Published several works of natural philosophy, beginning with 'Examination of Dr Burnet's Theory of the Earth' (1698), and became strongly associated with the defence of Newtonian principles. Also known for his innivative teaching style which made use of experimental demonstrations. Brother of physician Keill, James.
