Scientist, clergyman and inventor. Best known for his work in plant and animal physiology.

Invented a system for ventilating prisons and other enclosed areas, and, wrote several pamphlets against the use of alcoholic beverages.

Studied at Christ College, Cambridge (M.A. 1703, B.D. 1711). Received a D.D. from Oxford (1733). Elected Fellow of the Royal Society (1718). Won the Copley medal (1739).