Elias Ashmole

Elias Ashmole (1617–1692) was an English antiquarian, politician, and scholar known for collecting and studying historical artifacts. He founded the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, the world's first public museum, which displays art and historical objects. Ashmole was also interested in alchemy, astrology, and Masonry, contributing to their study and organization. His work helped preserve history and fostered the growth of learned societies. Overall, Ashmole played a key role in advancing the appreciation of culture, history, and early scientific thought in England.