BOYLE, John, earl of Cork and Orrery, a nobleman distinguished by his learning and genius, was the only son of Charles earl of Orrery, and was born on the VOL. IV. Part I. 2d of January 1707. He was educated at Christ church college in Oxford; but, as he himself declares, early disappointments, indifferent health, and many untoward accidents, rendered him fond of retirement, and of improving his talents for polite literature and poetry; of which last art he gave several excellent specimens. He also wrote a Translation of Pliny the Younger's letter, with various notes, for the service of his eldest son the Lord Boyle, in two volumes, 4to. This was first published in 1751. The year following, he published the Life of Dean Swift, in several letters, addressed to his second son Hamilton Boyle; and afterwards printed Memoirs of Robert Cary earl of Monmouth, a manuscript presented to him by a relation, with explanatory notes. He died in 1762.