DIGGES (Leonard), an eminent mathematician of the 16th century, was descended from an ancient family, and born at Digges-court in the parish of Barham in Kent; but we know not in what year. He was sent to University-college in Oxford, where he laid a good foundation of learning and science; and retiring thence without a degree, prosecuted his studies, and composed the following works: 1. "Tectonicum: briefly shewing the exact Measuring and speedy Reckoning of all manner of Lands, Squares, Timber, Stones, Steeples, &c. 1556," 4to. Augmented and published again by his son Thomas Digges, 1592, 4to, and reprinted in 1647, 4to. 2. "A geometrical practical Treatise, named Pantometria, in three books." This he left in manuscript; but after his death his son supplied such parts of it as were obscure and imperfect, and published it in 1591, folio; subjoining, "A Discourse geometrical of the five regular and platonical bodies, containing sundry theoretical and practical propositions, arising by mutual conference of these solids, inscription, circumscripture, and transformation." 3. "Prognostication everlasting of right good Effect: or, Choice Rules to judge the Weather by the Sun, Moon, and Stars, &c." 1555, 1556, and 1564, 4to, corrected and augmented by his son, with divers general tables, and many compendious rules, 1592, 4to. He died about 1574.