MYCOLOGY is the science of fungi (Greek a mush room, XO-yos , discourse), and is dealt with in the article FUNGI. MYCONIUS, FRIEDRICH (1490-1546), Lutheran di vine, was born on Dec. 26, 149o, at Lichtenfels on the Main, of worthy and pious parents, whose family name was Mecum. While a student at Annaberg, he had a memorable encounter with the Dominican, Tetzel, his point being that indulgences should be given pauperibus gratis. His teacher, Staffelstein, persuaded him to enter (1510) the Franciscan cloister. From Annaberg he passed to Franciscan communities at Leipzig and Weimar, where he was ordained priest (1516), and next year his "eyes and ears were opened" by the theses of Luther. For six years he preached his new gospel, under difficulties, in various seats of his order, lastly at Zwickau, whence he was called to Gotha (1524) by Duke John at the general desire. Here he married Margaret Jacken. He
had Luther's confidence, and was twice entrusted (1528 and 1533) with the ordering of the churches and schools in Thuringia. At the Convention of Schmalkalden he signed the articles on his own behalf and that of his friend Justus Menius. In 1538 he was in England, as theologian to the embassy which hoped to in duce Henry VIII. to make common cause with the Lutheran reformation on the basis of the Augsburg Confession, a project which Myconius caustically observed might prosper if Henry were allowed to be pope. He died on April 7, 1546.