Robert Fludd, also known as Robertus de Fluctibus (January 17, 1574 - September 8, 1637) was a prominent English Paracelsian physician. He is remembered as an astrologer, mathematician, cosmologist, Qabalist, and Rosicrucian apologist. He studied medicine at Oxford developed an interest in chemistry and philosophy. He successfully defended his doctoral dissertation in 1598. As a traveling scholar, he came in contact with advocates of the medical teachings of Paracelsus, and also devoted much study to the philosophy of the Rosicrucians. In 1605, he returned to Oxford and received there the titles of Bachelor of Medicine and Doctor of Medicine. He investigated the chemical principles of Paracelsus as pertaining to medicine, as well as with mystical and alchemical experiments. in 1606, he opened his own medical practice in London. He filled his own laboratory with chemical substances, which he used for his alchemical research. Despite his success as a doctor, he also found time to produce many writings and is best remembered for his compilations in occult philosophy. He had a celebrated exchange of views with Johannes Kepler concerning the scientific and hermetic approaches to knowledge. He died in 1637 at the age of 63.