Published by J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd: London c1920 (undated)
"Sir Thomas Browne (1605 - 1682) was an English polymath and author of varied works which reveal his wide learning in diverse fields including science and medicine, religion and the esoteric. His writings display a deep curiosity towards the natural world, influenced by the Scientific Revolution of Baconian enquiry and are permeated by references to Classical and Biblical sources as well as the idiosyncrasies of his own personality. Although often described as suffused with melancholia, Browne's writings are also characterised by wit and subtle humour, while his literary style is varied, according to genre, resulting in a rich, unique prose which ranges from rough notebook observations to polished Baroque eloquence.
Religio Medici
(1643) is a deeply personal and philosophical exploration of faith, science, and human nature, written from the perspective of a 17th-century English physician. In this introspective work, Browne attempts to reconcile his devout Christian beliefs with his scientific curiosity, asserting that faith and reason are not opposites but complementary paths to truth. The text reflects his wide intellectual interests—ranging from theology and classical philosophy to natural science—and is marked by a rich, ornate prose style that blends spiritual reflection with learned observation. Browne discusses topics like original sin, the soul, mortality, and divine providence, all while expressing a profound sense of wonder at the mysteries of the universe.
Unusually for his time, Browne also emphasizes religious tolerance and the value of individual judgment in matters of belief. His progressive views, especially his advocacy for compassion across religious divides, contributed to both admiration and controversy; the Catholic Church even banned the book. Despite this, Religio Medici became a classic of English literature, praised for its eloquence and intellectual depth. Its influence has endured through the centuries, shaping the thoughts of writers such as Samuel Johnson and Virginia Woolf. As a unique blend of personal confession, spiritual meditation, and scientific inquiry, the work stands as a testament to the complexity and richness of early modern thought."
