 In 1901, genealogist Lady Russell claimed to have found a "curious MS" written from Reading mathematician John Blagrave to a young Backhouse in 1610, concerning astrology, which Russell speculates may have influenced Backhouse's later interests.Later biographer, C. H. Josten, has been unable to locate this MS, though he considers such an association "possible".In 1610, Backhouse entered Christ Church, Oxford, though he left without taking a degree.