GRAUNT (John), author of a curious and celebrated book, entitled, Natural and political observa-
tions made upon the bills of mortality. He was a hatter-dasher of small wares; but laid down his trade, and all public employments, on account of his religion. He was educated a Puritan; afterwards professed himself a Socinian; yet, in the latter part of his life, declared himself of the Roman Catholic religion. He was a member of the royal society, and died in 1674.