Jan Helcelet

Jan Helcelet (; 2 January 1812 – 19 February 1878) was a Czech naturalist, journalist, revolutionary and politician. He was one of the leaders of the Old Czech Party in Moravia.

Biography Helcelet was born on 2 January 1812 in Dolní Kounice, Moravia, Austrian Empire. His family originated in the Swiss city of Porrentruy, where their name was spelled "Hölzlet". He attended the grammar schools in Brno and, after graduation, following family tradition, trained as a miller. After extensive travels throughout Silesia and Moravia, he entered the University of Vienna, where he studied medicine from 1834 to 1838, then spent a year at the University of Padua.

After obtaining his Doctorate of Medicine in 1840, he worked at in Brno. He was there for only a year when he became a substitute teacher at the Collegium Nobilium in Olomouc. In 1846, he became a full Professor at Palacký University Olomouc, replacing Johann Karl Nestler, who had died a few years before. There, he taught natural sciences and field management. His students at that time included Gregor Mendel and . After 1848, he taught Czech literature as well. In 1849, he moved to Brno, where he taught at the German Technical University. From 1851 to 1858, he edited the literary magazine, Koleda (Carol). From 1861 to 1873, he was a member of the Moravian Diet.

He died in Brno on 19 February 1878 at the age of 66.

His son, , was also a politician who belonged to the Imperial Council and promoted Sokol.