1-153-026 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772), Swedish philosopher, mystic and cosmologist. Swedenborg wrote on various subjects, including algebra, navigation, astronomy and chemistry. In 1734 he published his Opera philosophica et mineralia, (Philosophical and Logical Works), which dealt with the creation of the world, and drew on his interpretations of metallurgy and metaphysics. Swedenborg had dreams which encouraged him to believe that he was able to communicate with the spirit world. His followers founded the Church of the New Jerusalem in 1787.