Ten fun facts about Thomas Burnet

Ten fun facts about Thomas Burnet


1. Master of the Charterhouse School

In 1685, Thomas Burnet was appointed as the master of the Charterhouse School, a prestigious educational institution in London, thanks to the patronage of the 1st Duke of Ormonde. Burnet was highly regarded for his academic achievements, and the Duke of Ormonde saw him as the perfect candidate to lead the school. Burnet's tenure at the Charterhouse School was a successful one, and he was credited with helping to shape the school into one of the most respected educational institutions in the country.

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2. The Chaplain in Ordinary Who Influenced the King

In 1688, Thomas Burnet's friend John Tilloston appointed him as the Chaplain in Ordinary to the King and Clerk of the Closet, a prestigious position that allowed him to serve as a spiritual advisor to the monarch. As Chaplain in Ordinary, Burnet was responsible for providing spiritual guidance to the King and his court, as well as for managing the King's private chapel. This position also gave Burnet access to the King's inner circle, allowing him to influence the decisions of the court.

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3. Sacred Geography Pioneer

Thomas Burnet was an English theologian and writer who lived in the 17th century. He is remembered for his work on the sacred geography of the Bible, and his theories on the formation of the Earth. His legacy lives on in the form of Dorsa Burnet, a ridge on the moon named in his honour. This ridge is located in the northern part of the moon's near side, and is part of the Montes Teneriffe mountain range. It is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to understanding the mysteries of the universe.

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4. Thomas Burnet's radical theory of the Earth

Thomas Burnet's first work, the "Sacred Theory of the Earth", proposed a unique and revolutionary idea - that the Earth was once hollow and filled with water until Noah's Flood. This theory was a radical departure from the traditional view of the Earth's formation, and it sparked a great deal of debate and discussion among the scientific community. Burnet's work was highly influential, and it helped to shape the way we think about the Earth's formation and history.

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5. A Passionate Believer in the Power of God

Thomas Burnet was a passionate believer in the power of God, and was unwavering in his conviction that God had created the world and all its contents. He was a firm advocate of the idea that the universe was designed and crafted by a divine being, and that the laws of nature were put in place by God. Burnet was a strong proponent of the idea that the universe was created with a purpose, and that it was up to humans to discover and understand that purpose. He believed that the universe was a reflection of God's will, and that it was up to us to uncover the divine plan.

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6. Earth's Shifting Surface Pioneer

Thomas Burnet's first piece, although widely criticized, was a groundbreaking work that helped popularize the idea that the earth's surface is constantly changing. His work was revolutionary for its time, as it challenged the traditional belief that the earth was static and unchanging. Burnet's work sparked a new wave of scientific inquiry into the dynamic nature of the earth's surface, and helped to shape the modern understanding of geology.

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7. English theologian Thomas Burnet at odds with Sir Isaac Newton

Thomas Burnet, an English theologian and scholar, was famously at odds with Sir Isaac Newton's theories. In a letter to Burnet, Newton suggested that God had lengthened the days when creating the Earth, but Burnet disagreed, believing that the days had always been the same length. Burnet's views were highly influential in the 18th century, and his rejection of Newton's theories was a major point of contention between the two men.

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8. Theologian, Philosopher, Educated Child

As a child, Thomas Burnet attended Northallerton, where he studied grammar under the tutelage of Thomas Smelt. Burnet was a diligent student, and his studies with Smelt provided him with a strong foundation in the subject that would serve him well throughout his life. Burnet's education under Smelt was a key factor in his later success as a theologian and philosopher.

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9. Governor Burnet Travels Abroad

In 1671, Thomas Burnet embarked on a journey as governor, travelling out of the country with the Duke's grandson. This was not the first time Burnet had ventured abroad, as he had previously made a tour with the Duke's grandson. This second tour was a great success, and Burnet was able to gain a wealth of knowledge and experience from his travels.

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10. A Renowned Figure in the 17th Century

Thomas Burnet was a renowned figure in the 17th century, largely due to his three published books. His first two books, 'Sacred Theory of the Earth' and 'Telluris Theoria Sacra', were published during his lifetime and were considered controversial for their time. His third book, 'Archaeologiae Philosophicae', was published posthumously and is what truly gave him his notoriety.

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An English theologian and writer.

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