Johann Ernst Immanuel Walch

Who was Johann Ernst Immanuel Walch?

Johann Ernst Immanuel Walch was a German theologian, linguist, and naturalist from Jena.

The son of the theologian Johann Georg Walch, he studied Semitic languages at the University of Jena, and also natural science and mathematics. In 1749 he published Einleitung in die Harmonie der Evangelien, and in 1750 was appointed professor extraordinarius of theology. Five years later he became professor ordinarius of logic and metaphysics; in 1759 he exchanged this for a professorship of rhetoric and poetry.

Amongst his theological works were Dissertationes in Acta Apostolorum; Antiquitales symbolicae; and after his death appeared Observationes in Matthaeum ex Graecis inscriptionibus. He also published a periodical Der Naturforscher, and during the years 1749-1756 took an active part in editing the Zeitungen von gelehrten Sachen.

"Most of Walch’s interests and publications were on topics in the humanities. These included early Christian church history; New Testament exegesis and commentary; Latin and Greek linguistics, literature, and inscriptions; Roman history and antiquities; Celtic religion; and the history of medicine."