Born in Wrington,
Somersetshire, Aug. 29, 1632.
His father was a parliamentary captain.
He graduated at
Oxford, was fond of philosophical studies, associated with men of wit, and chose the profession of a physician.
His first public employment was as secretary in a diplomatic mission to the Court of Brandenburg in 1664.
While pursuing philosophical studies in 1667, he became acquainted with Lord Ashley (afterwards
Earl of
Shaftesbury), and by his medical skill advised a surgical operation that saved his lordship's life.
By him
Locke was introduced to the most distinguished statesmen of the time.
He superintended the education of
Ashley's son, and assisted him in preparing a scheme of government for the Carolinas (see
fundamental constitutions). When
Ashley (then
Earl of
Shaftesbury) was accused of treason (1683), he fled to
Holland, and
Locke followed him.
Locke had held various public offices, but now he remained quietly in
Holland until after the revolution (1688), when he returned to
England in the same vessel that bore the Princess Mary thither.
Locke's principal work was an
Essay on the human understanding, published twenty years after it was begun.
Locke ranks among the most eminent mental philosophers.
He died in
Essex county,
England, Oct. 28, 1704.
