Samual Birley RowbothamSamuel Birley Rowbotham was an English inventor, writer, utopian socialist, and flat Earth proponent, best known for his work - Zetetic Astronomy: Earth Not a Globe, which he published under the pseudonym Parallax. Born in 1816 in London, Rowbotham sideas challenged the established scientific understanding of the Earth s shape and motion. His work argued for a flat Earth model, promoting the concept of zetetic inquiry, which emphasized direct observation and empirical evidence over accepted theories. Initially published as a short pamphlet, the work was later expanded into a book that presented a series of observations and experiments to support his claims. Rowbotham's ideas were a part of a larger movement of skepticism toward mainstream science during the 19th century, although his theories were widely criticized and remain on the fringe. Besides his controversial scientific work, Rowbotham was a proponent of utopian socialism, believing in societal reforms aimed at improving human well-being. He passed away in 1884 at the age of 68. His legacy endures mainly through the continued existence of flat Earth movements, which trace their origins back to his writings. Read More Read Less