1. The Young Hartlib

This introductory chapter explores Samuel Hartlib’s background and early life, covering the period from 1600 until 1628. His birthplace was the trading port of Elbing (Elbląg) near Danzig, where his German father was a prosperous merchant. His mother was from a prominent English trading family. His main education was conducted in Silesia, where he benefitted from a cosmopolitan and diverse culture. Perhaps on account of the sharp downturn in the fortunes of Elbing, between about 1621 and 1626 he became a private student in Cambridge, where he formed many lasting friendships, and a developed a leaning towards Puritanism. His final brief stay in Elbing between 1626 and 1628 was important for two reasons. First, he became a central figure in the Antilian utopian community, in which he established further long-lasting associations. Secondly, Elbing was the site of the start of his friendship with the famous irenicist John Dury.