Theophilus de Garencières

17th-century French apothecary and translator

Theophilus de Garencières (1610–1680) was a notable 17th-century French apothecary, physician, and translator, best known for his English translation of the Prophecies of Nostradamus. His work contributed significantly to the dissemination of Nostradamus's predictions in the English-speaking world.

Early Life and Education

Theophilus de Garencières was born in Paris, France, in 1610. He was educated in the classical tradition, studying at the University of Caen where he obtained a degree in medicine. His education was deeply rooted in the Renaissance humanist tradition, which emphasized the study of classical texts and the integration of scientific inquiry with philosophical thought.

Career in England

In the mid-17th century, de Garencières moved to England, where he established himself as an apothecary and physician. He became a member of the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries in London, a prestigious guild that regulated the practice of apothecaries in the city. His practice was noted for its use of both traditional herbal remedies and the emerging chemical medicines of the time.

Translation of Nostradamus

Nostradamus prophecies

De Garencières is best remembered for his translation of the Les Prophéties of Nostradamus, published in 1672 as The True Prophecies or Prognostications of Michael Nostradamus. This work was the first complete English translation of Nostradamus's prophecies and played a crucial role in popularizing Nostradamus in the English-speaking world. De Garencières's translation was noted for its attempt to interpret and explain the often cryptic quatrains of Nostradamus, providing commentary and context for each prophecy.

Medical Practice and Writings

In addition to his work as a translator, de Garencières was an active medical practitioner. He wrote several treatises on medical topics, including the use of antimony in medicine, which was a controversial subject at the time. His writings reflect the transitional nature of 17th-century medicine, which was beginning to move away from purely Galenic theories towards a more experimental and empirical approach.

Legacy

Theophilus de Garencières's contributions to the fields of translation and medicine were significant. His translation of Nostradamus remains a key text for those interested in the history of prophecy and esoteric literature. In medicine, his work exemplifies the blending of traditional and emerging practices that characterized the period.

Related Pages

• Nostradamus
• Les Prophéties
• Worshipful Society of Apothecaries
• Antimony