(Dr. John), a most ingenious and learned English bishop, was the son of a goldsmith of Oxford, and was born in 1614. He adhered to the parliament during the civil wars, by whom he was made warden of Wadham college in 1648; he married afterwards the sister of Oliver Cromwell, and procured a dispensation to retain his warden- ship notwithstanding. Richard Cromwell made him master of Trinity college, Cambridge, from which he was ejected on the Restoration. He then became preacher to Gray's- Inn, rector of St. Laurence Jewry, London, dean of Rip- pon, and in 1668 was promoted to the bishopric of Chester: he died in 1672. Bishop Wilkins thought it prudent to submit to the powers in being; he therefore subscribed to the solemn league and covenant while it was enforced, and was equally ready to swear allegiance to king Charles when he was restored: this, with his moderate spirit toward dif- ferent sects, rendered him not very agreeable to churchmen. His mathematical and philosophical works, which contain many ingenious and curious pieces, considering the time when they were written, have been collected in one vol. 8vo. He published also some theological tracts. He was the first president of the Royal Society.