COTTON (Sir Robert), a most eminent English antiquarian, descended from an ancient family, was born in 1570. In his 18th year he began to collect ancient records, charters, and other MSS. Camden, Selden, and Speed, acknowledged their obligations to him in their respective works. He was highly distinguished by queen Elizabeth, and by James I. who created him a baronet. He wrote many things himself; but our principal obligations to him are for his valuable library of MSS. which was secured to the public by two acts of parliament, and now makes part of the British museum.