BARLOW, William, a mathematician and divine, the son of the bishop of Chichester, was born in Pembroke-shire whilst his father was bishop of St David's. In 1560, he was entered commoner of Balliol college in Oxford; and in 1564, took a degree in arts, which having completed by determination, he left the university and went to sea; but in what capacity is uncertain: however, he acquired considerable knowledge in the art of navigation. About the year 1573, he entered into orders; and became prebendary of Winchester and rector of Easton near that city. In 1588, he was made prebendary of Litchfield, which he exchanged for the place of treasurer of that church. Some years after, he was made chaplain to Prince Henry, the son of King James I.; and in 1614, archdeacon of Salisbury. He was the first writer on the nature and properties of the magnet. Barlow died in the year 1625, and was buried in the church at Easton. His works are, 1. "The Navigator's Supply, containing many things of principal importance belonging to navigation, and use of diverse instruments framed chiefly for that purpose." London, 1597, 4to, Dedicated to Robert earl of Essex. 2. "Magnetical Advertisements, or diverse pertinent Observations and approved Experiments concerning the Nature and Properties of the Loadstone." London, 1616, 4to. 3. "A brief Discovery of the idle Animadversions of Mark Ridley, M. D. upon a Treatise entitled Magnetical Advertisements." London, 1618, 4to.