URBAN, a learned writer, born at Lundun in 1613. He distinguished himself in his youth by his knowledge of the belles lettres; and became secretary C H E

cretary of state to Queen Christina of Sweden. Several German princes invited him to their courts; and Charles Lewis, the elector palatine, retained him under the title of counsellor. After the death of that prince, he returned to France, and became preceptor to the duke of Maine. At length retiring to Lundun, he died there in 1701, aged 83. He was the author of several books, and amongst others of an Universal History, which has been often reprinted.