URSINUS, FULVIUS, an eminent Italian scholar, was born at Rome in 1529. He was the natural son of a scion of the noble house of Orsini, who, after educating him with great care, ultimately cast him off, together with his mother, in consequence of some foolish quarrel which time could not heal. The unfortunate mother was compelled to support herself and her child by begging; and her only consolation during long years of hardship and suffering was in the thought to which the growing genius of the youthful Ursinus gave life, that in future years he should become a man of fame, and that he should smooth the dying pillow of his aged mother. All this he realized to the full. First of all, he was appointed "clericus" in the church of St John in the Lateran; afterwards his industry and talents, combined with his amiable disposition, drew upon him the attachment of Canon Gentilio Delfini, who educated him thoroughly, and Ursinus subsequently became his successor. He was afterwards appointed librarian to two successive cardinals, and had ample leisure and abundant means to gratify his taste in the search after manuscripts and the purchase of articles for his archaeological museum. At his death, which occurred at Rome in 1600, he forgot none of his benefactors.
Among his works are commentaries on various ancient authors, and original treatises on antiquarian subjects. Of the latter class are his Familia Romana, 1663; and his Imagines et Elogia Virorum illustrium, 1606. Castalio published a life of Ursinus in 1657.