historian university professor
His parents were Remonstrants and intended him for the law. He studied theology and philosophy from 1632 in Leiden under Antonius Walaeus.
As a student of Gisbertus Voetius he acquired a doctorate in philosophy around 1636. About 1638 he became professor in classical literature, rhetoric and history at the University of Deventer, and then in 1640 in the University of Groningen professor in logic and physics. Schoock was combative and brought difficulties on himself.
Descartes at one point felt Schoock had libeled him and complained to the French ambassador.
Schoock was arrested and spent two days in jail. He exonerated himself by in effect proving that Voetius had put him up to it, citing letters from his former professor
He made a second marriage with a rich widow. At the end of his life Schoock left Groningen.
He became official historian of the Elector of Brandenburg, and Professor at the University of Frankfurt-on-Oder, where he died.
