Oldermann, Johann

Oldermann, Johann a noted German student of philosophy and the natural sciences, was born in Saxony in 1686. After laying the foundation of his studies in the school of Osuaburg, he went to Helmstadt, where Mr. Van der Hardt, his maternal uncle, instructed him in the Oriental languages and the Jewish antiquities, so that he took the degree of M.A. in 1707, became Greek professor in 1717, and was appointed assistant library-keeper to his-uncle. He was aided in his studies by other learned men; and, by genius and industry, made an extraordinary progress in everything he applied himself to. Astronomy was his favorite study; he passed whole nights in viewing and contemplating the stars. He was hindered by a weak constitution, which, through a sedentary life, sank into a dropsy that carried him off in 1723. The titles of several of his dissertations are, De imperfectione sermonis humani:De Phraatefluvio: — De maria lgoyro: — De Ophir: — De festivitate AEncceniorum: — De specularibus Veterum: — De origine natalitiorum Jesu Christi.