Athanasius Kircher

Athanasius Kircher (2 May 1602 – 27/28 November 1680) was a 17th-century German Jesuit scholar and polymath who published around 40 major works, most notably in the fields of Oriental studies, geology, and medicine. Kircher has been compared to fellow Jesuit and to Leonardo da Vinci for his enormous range of interests.

He has also been referred to as the "last Renaissance man". He is known for writing the book Mundus Subterraneus.

Trivia

 * Kircher is considered the father of Egyptology, and Kircher's work helped scientists decipher the Rosetta Stone.
 * Kircher was an owner of the Voynich manuscript.