James Jurin

James Jurin was an English scientist and physician, particularly remembered for his early work in capillary action and in the epidemiology of smallpox vaccination. He was a staunch proponent of the work of Sir Isaac Newton and often used his gift for satire in Newton's defence. In 1716 he was present—along with Newton, Robert Smith, William Whiston, and Edmund Halley—when Martin Folkes proposed the black Jamaican Francis Williams for fellowship of the Royal Society.