1621 in science

Astronomy

• Johann Schreck (1576–1630), also known as Johannes Schreck, Terrenz or Terrentius, introduces the telescope to China.

Botany

• The University of Oxford Botanic Garden, the oldest botanical garden in Great Britain, is founded as a physic garden by Henry Danvers, 1st Earl of Danby.

Medicine

• Robert Burton publishes his treatise The Anatomy of Melancholy.

Physics

• Willebrord Snellius formulates Snell's law on refraction.

Technology

• A simple microscope is developed.
• Cornelius Vermuyden begins reclamation of Canvey Island in England.

Births

• January 27 – Thomas Willis, English physician who contributes to knowledge of the nervous and cardiovascular systems (died 1675)

Deaths

• July 2 – Thomas Harriot, English ethnographer, astronomer and mathematician (born c. 1560)
• September 1 – Bahāʾ al-dīn al-ʿĀmilī, Arab philosopher and astronomer (born 1547)
• Jan Jesenius, Slovak physician (born 1566)

References

References

1. "Johannes Schreck-Terrentius Constantiensis: Wissenschaftler und Chinamissionar". HWTG Konstanz.
2. "A History of The Gardens". The University of Oxford Botanic Garden.