Martin Folkes

Martin Folkes. He was a prominent English antiquary, mathematician, and astronomer who served as a pivotal figure in the learned societies of the Georgian era. As President of the Royal Society and later of the Society of Antiquaries of London, he championed a broad, Enlightenment-inspired approach to knowledge that bridged the sciences and the humanities. His extensive work in numismatics and his leadership left a lasting mark on British intellectual life.

Early life and education

Born in Westminster, he was the eldest son of a successful barrister connected to the Middle Temple. He entered Clare College, Cambridge in 1707, where he developed a strong foundation in classical literature and natural philosophy. His early intellectual promise was recognized by influential figures like Sir Isaac Newton, who reportedly encouraged his scientific pursuits. Following his graduation, he embarked on a Grand Tour of Europe, visiting France and Italy, where he cultivated his lifelong interests in art history and classical antiquities.

Scientific and antiquarian career

His early scientific work focused on astronomy and mathematics, and he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1713. He conducted observations of a solar eclipse and published papers on topics ranging from the variation of the compass to the Roman foot. A true polymath, he simultaneously immersed himself in antiquarian studies, becoming a founding member of the revived Society of Antiquaries of London in 1717. His reputation grew through his involvement with the Spalding Gentlemen's Society and his extensive network, which included William Stukeley and Alexander Pope.

Presidency of the Royal Society

He was elected President of the Royal Society in 1741, succeeding Sir Hans Sloane. His tenure, lasting until 1752, was marked by efforts to uphold rigorous scientific method and to mediate the contentious debates between followers of Newton and those of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz over the invention of calculus. He presided over significant events, including the acceptance of Benjamin Franklin's groundbreaking experiments with electricity. His portrait was painted by William Hogarth during this period, symbolizing his stature within the Augustan Age.

Numismatics and antiquarian contributions

He is particularly celebrated for his foundational work in numismatics, the study of coins and medals. His magnum opus, *Tables of English Silver and Gold Coins* (1745), provided a systematic analysis of English coinage from the Norman Conquest onward and became a standard reference. He amassed one of the finest private collections of Greek coins, Roman coins, and British medals in Europe, which was later detailed in a catalogue by Thomas Snelling. His expertise was sought by institutions like the British Museum and he advised on the collection of Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford.

Personal life and legacy

He married Lucretia Bradshaw, a former actress, in 1714, and they had two children. Known for his conviviality and skepticism, his religious views sometimes drew criticism from more orthodox contemporaries. Following his death in 1754, his renowned collection of coins and his extensive library, rich in works on natural history and archaeology, were sold at auction. His legacy endures through his role in professionalizing antiquarian studies and his leadership in steering the Royal Society through a key period of the Scientific Revolution. A collection of his papers is held at the British Library.

Category:1690 births Category:1754 deaths Category:Presidents of the Royal Society Category:English antiquarians Category:English numismatists Category:Alumni of Clare College, Cambridge