Polykarp Leyser II


Polykarp Leyser II was a German Lutheran theologian and superintendent in Leipzig. He was professor of theology since 1613.

Life

Provenance

His father Polykarp Leyser the Elder, was a theologian. His mother was Elisabeth, daughter of the painter Lucas Cranach the Younger.

Works

Family

He was the father of nine recorded children, most of whom became theologians. His son,, was also a theologian, but found himself cut off from his family for his controversial defense of polygamy. One of Polykarp's sons, however, Michael Leyser became a physician and anatomist, making important contributions to documenting the medical advances of the time, notably in respect of the Lymphatic system.
His grandson Polykarp Leyser III and his great-grandson Polykarp Leyser IV were all also theologians.