IRELAND-L Archives

From: "Jean R." <>
Subject: [IRELAND] Gerard BOATE (1604-50),Dutch author of "Ireland's Natural History," physician w/ CROMWELL's army.
Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2007 23:25:48 -0700

SNIPPET: Gerard BOATE (1604-50), Dutch author of "Ireland's Natural
History" (1652) died soon after his arrival in Ireland as physician with
Oliver CROMWELL's army. In 1645 this London-based adventurer wrote a
description of Ireland and how it might be further improved by consolidation
of the English Protestant interest. He synthesized information on
geography, environment, and resources from his brother Arnold
(physician-general to the English army in Ireland till 1644), refugee
English planters, and earlier accounts, to set new standards of accuracy.
Samuel HARTLIB, another 'common scientist,' had BOATE's description
published posthumously with the express purpose of encouraging replantation
by continental Protestants as well as English adventurers.

-- Hiram Morgan, Lecturer in History, University College, Cork.

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• [IRELAND] Gerard BOATE (1604-50),Dutch author of "Ireland's Natural History," physician w/ CROMWELL's army. by "Jean R." <>