BARLOW, William, an eminent mathematician and divine, the son of the bishop of Chichester, was born in Pembrokeshire, whilst his father was bishop of St David's. In 1560 he was entered a commoner of Balliol College, Oxford; and in 1564 took a degree in arts, after which he left the university and went to sea, but in what capacity is uncertain. While at sea 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, and in 1614 he was appointed archdeacon of Salisbury. He was the first English writer on the nature and properties of the magnet, on which he published several treatises. Barlow died in the year 1625, and was buried in the church at Easton.