Ray, John

Ray, John a celebrated English naturalist, of humble origin, but indomitable perseverance, was the author of two works showing the relation of science to religion (The Wisdom of God in the Works of Creation [Lond. 1691, and often since]; and Three Physico-Theological Discourses [ibid. 1693, and later]). He was born in 1628 at Black Notley, in Essex; was educated at Braintree School, and at Catharine Hall and Trinity College, Cambridge; lost his fellowship in the latter college by refusing to comply with the Act of Uniformity; travelled on the Continent for three years with Mr.

Willoughby and other friends; became a fellow of the Royal Society, and died in 1705. His works are numerous and valuable, chiefly on scientific and literary subjects. See Allibone, Dict. of Brit. and Amer. Authors, s.v.