Theophilus de Garencières

Theophilus de Garencières (1610–1680) was a notable 17th-century French physician, astrologer, and translator best known for his English translation of Nostradamus's Les Prophéties. Born in France, de Garencières eventually moved to England, where he became a naturalized citizen and practiced medicine. His work on Nostradamus's prophecies significantly contributed to the popularity and interpretation of Nostradamus in the English-speaking world.

Biography[edit | edit source]

Theophilus de Garencières was born in 1610 in France. Little is known about his early life and education, but it is evident that he developed an interest in medicine, astrology, and prophecy at a young age. Seeking broader horizons, de Garencières moved to England in the mid-17th century. In England, he became a naturalized citizen and established himself as a physician. His medical practice and scholarly interests led him to become a respected figure in both the medical and astrological communities of his time.

Contributions[edit | edit source]

De Garencières is most renowned for his translation of Nostradamus's Les Prophéties into English, published in 1672. This work, titled The True Prophecies or Prognostications of Michael Nostradamus, made the cryptic quatrains of Nostradamus accessible to an English-speaking audience for the first time. De Garencières's translation was accompanied by his own commentary and interpretations, which have been influential in shaping the understanding of Nostradamus's prophecies.

In addition to his translation work, de Garencières made contributions to the field of medicine. He wrote on various medical topics, including the plague and other epidemic diseases, reflecting the medical challenges of his time. His writings demonstrate a blend of traditional medical knowledge and the astrological beliefs that were common among physicians of the 17th century.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Theophilus de Garencières's legacy is primarily tied to his translation of Nostradamus's prophecies. His work has been a reference point for scholars and enthusiasts interested in Nostradamus and the interpretation of his quatrains. De Garencières's blend of medical practice and astrological belief also exemplifies the interconnected nature of these fields in the 17th century, providing insight into the historical context of medicine and astrology.