PALINGENIUS (Marcellus), well known by a poem divided into 12 books, and intitled Zodiacus Vita, which he was several years of composing, and dedicated to Hercules II. of Este, duke of Ferrara. Some say he was physician to the prince; others rank him among the learned Lutherans, to whom the duchess of Ferrara gave a reception in her court, and honoured with her protection. His Zodiacus contains good things, and is a philosophical satire against immorality and false prejudices. Though this poem has borne a multitude of impressions, the author's life is but little known. He died some time between the years 1537 and 1543.