Books of Historical Importance    A Letter to a Friend        Upon occasion of the death of his intimate friend        Sir Thomas Browne         Sir Thomas Browne (19 October 1605 - 19 October 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. Browne's writings display a deep curiosity towards the natural world, influenced by the scientific revolution of Baconian enquiry, while his Christian faith exuded tolerance and goodwill towards humanity in an often intolerant era. A consummate literary craftsman, Browne's works are permeated by frequent references to Classical and Biblical sources as well as the idiosyncrasies of his own personality. His literary style varies according to genre, resulting in a rich, unusual prose that ranges from rough notebook observations to the highest Baroque eloquence. Although often described as suffering from melancholia, Browne's writings are also characterised by wit and subtle humour. Sir Thomas Browne Sir Thomas Browne (19 October 1605 - 19 October 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. Browne's writings display a deep curiosity towards the natural world, influenced by the scientific revolution of Baconian enquiry, while his Christian faith exuded tolerance and goodwill towards humanity in an often intolerant era. Browne's works are permeated by frequent references to Classical and Biblical sources as well as the idiosyncrasies of his own personality. While he is often described as suffering from melancholia, Browne's writings are also characterised by wit and subtle humour. His literary style is varied, according to genre, resulting in a rich, unique prose which ranges from rough notebook observations to the highest, polished Baroque eloquence.