Talk:Elias Ashmole

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[edit] Name

What is the derivation of this unusual surname? Badagnani 03:20, 4 June 2006 (UTC)

Most likely a variation of Ashmore, originally a place name meaning "ash moor" (or "mere", i.e. "lake"). There is an Ashmore in Dorset. --Dhartung | Talk 05:27, 4 June 2006 (UTC)
Thank you! Perhaps this, if it could be verified, could be added to the article. It's funny that the "r" was exchanged for an "l," because this transposition is much more common of many speakers of East and Southeast Asian languages, many of which don't have a clear distinction between the two phonemes. Badagnani 07:30, 4 June 2006 (UTC)
I see you or someone else has incorporated that, using a source I wasn't going to use. :-S Anyway, the L-R transposition is not unknown in European languages -- compare "castle" and "castro", off the top of my head. --Dhartung | Talk 07:47, 5 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] School in london

This year was my last year in the Ashmole School located in london. When I first arrived at the school I was informed of a connection to Elias ashmole, of which I am unclear in; however there is definately a secondaryt school/sixth form in his name. http://www.ashmole.barnet.sch.uk/ Website of the school In question. Should it be mentioned in the article, or is it too small for a mention? If its not too small, I can provide images and information on the school itself. Jackpot Den 14:53, 4 June 2006 (UTC)

If there is a clear link between Elias Ashmole and the school then there could be scope to include it, he clearly has a legacy which may be of interest. It would be useful if you could find out a little more about the subject to introduce it.ALR 14:11, 5 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Cannot edit this page?

I have tried to correct the misspelling (probably intentional) of the subject's name in a few paragraphs, but when I enter the editing view the name appears correctly spelled. I'm not an experienced wiki editor; can someone more knowledgeable figure out what's going on?? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 86.6.2.209 (talk • contribs).

If you're talking about stuff like "assmole" or "asshole", that's vandalism that has been cleaned up by the time you click on the edit button. We're quick around here! --Dhartung | Talk 07:44, 5 June 2006 (UTC)

yes there is a clear link between Elias and Ashmole school. The school was named after him and there is a large portrait (the same one on the wiki page) of him in the main hall


[edit] Ashmole & Esotericism

The article says that AShmole's studies into Alchemy, Kaballah etc 'were essentially backward-looking'. I'd like to know why? Is it because the article writer finds this side of his life embarressing? It may well be that these studies were absolutely integral to his career as a historian, scientist and thinker as well as philanthropist. Given the research scholars like Frances Yates put into tracing the influence of these ideas and their devotees on the development of Western culture, philosophy and science I think this needs a little reevaluation. Modern psychologists like Jung studied these subjects too. Were they 'essentially backward-looking'. Obviously not. Ashmole's career as a Freemason would have indicated that study of the esoteric was fundamental to how he lived his life as in those days that was what Freemasonryw as. 80.169.172.243 15:54, 22 December 2006 (UTC)

I would agree that the "backward-looking" needs to be rethought (but for a different reason). Isaac Newton and Robert Boyle were also dedicated alchemists and they are not described as "backward-looking." It is all about historical context. Awadewit 11:38, 3 March 2007 (UTC)