Sir Kenelm, an English philosopher, was born at Gothurst in Buckinghamshire in 1603, and became very illustrious for his virtue and learning. He was descended of an ancient family. His great-grandfather, accompanied by fix of his brothers, fought valiantly at Bosworth field on the side of Henry VII. against the usurper Richard III. His father, Sir Everard Digby, was engaged in the gunpowder plot against King James I. and for that crime was beheaded; but his son was restored to his estate. King Charles I. made him gentleman of the bedchamber, commissioner of the navy, and governor of the Trinity house. He granted him letters of repril against the Venetians, by virtue of which he took several prizes with a small fleet under his command. He fought the Venetians near the port of Scanderoon, and bravely made his way through them with his booty. He was a great lover of learning, and translated several authors into English; and his "Treatise of the Nature of Bodies and the Immortality of the Soul," discovers great penetration and extensive knowledge. He applied to chemistry; and found out several useful medicines, which he gave freely away to people of all sorts, especially to the poor. He distinguished himself particularly by his sympathetic powder for the cure of wounds at a distance; his discourse concerning which made a great noise for a while. He had conferences with Des Cartes about the nature of the soul.

In the beginning of the civil wars, he exerted himself very vigorously in the King's cause; but he was afterwards imprisoned by the Parliament's order, in Winchester-house, and had leave to depart thence in 1643. He afterwards compounded for his estate, but was ordered to leave the nation; when he went to France, and was sent on two embassies to Pope Innocent X. from the queen, widow to Charles I. whose chancellor he then was. On the restoration of Charles II. he returned to London; where he died in 1663, aged 60.

This eminent person, on account of his early talents, and great proficiency in learning, was compared to the celebrated Pius de Mirandola, who was one of the wonders of human nature. His knowledge, though various and extensive, appeared to be greater than it really was; as he had all the powers of elocution and address to recommend it. He knew how to shine in a circle of ladies or philosophers; and was as much attended to when he spoke on the most trivial subjects, as when he conversed on the most important. It is said that one of the princes of Italy, who had no child, was desirous that his princess should bring him a son by Sir Kenelm, whom he esteemed a just model of perfection.