Famous People Who Died In 1691

Robert Boyle was an Anglo-Irish chemist, natural philosopher, inventor, and physicist. Regarded as the first modern chemist, Boyle is often counted among the founders of modern chemistry. One of the pioneers of the scientific method, Robert Boyle is also remembered for his books, including The Sceptical Chymist, which is viewed as a keystone book in chemistry.

Richard Baxter was an English poet, theologian, hymnodist, controversialist, and Puritan church leader. He was one of the most influential and important leaders of the Nonconformists. Today, he is commemorated in the Church of England with a feast day on 14 June.

Tosa Mitsuoki was a Japanese painter of early Edo period. Although he adopted some techniques from the Kanō school of painting, his works are chiefly known for their delicate lines and fine delineation, which are typical of the Tosa School. Appointed the edokoro azukari at the Tokugawa court, he is remembered for the reviving the lost glory of the Tosa school  

Born to a weaver, George Fox had little formal education and left home at 18, in pursuit of some religious experience. The English missionary later founded the Society of Friends, or Quakers, which is a Protestant branch. He was married to Margaret Fell, known widely as "the mother of Quakerism."

Born to a baron, Dudley North was abducted by gypsies as a child but later recovered. He grew up to be an international trader and then became a sheriff of London under Charles II. A noted political economist, he was one of the pioneers of the laissez-faire policies.

The first Japanese to follow Chinese philosopher Wang Yangming’s teachings, Kumazawa Banzan lived during the Edo period. Though a masterless samurai, he rose through the ranks to become Okayama’s chief minister. However, his progressive ideas were deemed suspicious and eventually led him to a life in custody.

The son of a renowned sculptor and architect, Jean Petitot grew up to be a pioneering enamel miniature portratist. He was patronized by Charles I of England and Louis XIV of France. Following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, he had also been imprisoned for a while.

Aelbert Cuyp was one of the most important Dutch Golden Age painters renowned for painting beautiful landscapes. Also known for his skills as a draftsman, Aelbert Cuyp is best remembered for his most famous work, River Landscape.

Suleiman II reigned as the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from November 1687 until his death in June 1691. He is credited with changing the fortunes of the Ottoman Empire along with Fazıl Mustafa Pasha during the War of the Holy League and reconquered Belgrade in 1690. Suleiman II is also credited with carrying out important fiscal and military reforms.