Uncover the fascinating, colorful lives of Renaissance writers including John Donne, Ben Jonson, and Christopher Marlowe, and explore key features and themes in their groundbreaking plays and poetry.

Substantial biographical sketch of Renaissance poet and playwright, Ben Jonson. Includes some information on his plays, "Volpone," and "The Alchemist."

(1546-1601) Danish nobleman best known as an early astronomer, though in his lifetime he was also well known as an astrologer and alchemist.

Tycho Brahe, born Tyge Ottesen Brahe (December 14, 1546 - October 24, 1601), was a Danish nobleman famed for his accurate and comprehensive astronomical and planetary observations. Hailing from Scania, then part of Denmark, now part of...

Paracelsus was a.16th-century physician and alchemist famous for criticizing medical practices in his time.

A portrait of Alessandro Cagliostro from the Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology, made available through the Smithsonian Institution's Scientific Identity Collection.

A portrait of Robert Fludd from the Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology, made available through the Smithsonian Institution's Scientific Identity Collection.

A portrait of Edward "Beau" Wilson from the Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology, made available through the Smithsonian Institution's Scientific Identity Collection.

A portrait of Robert Fludd from the Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology, made available through the Smithsonian Institution's Scientific Identity Collection.

An image of Auguste Lumiere.