MARTIN, a philosopher and antiquarian of considerable eminence, was born in Wellsminster in the year 1690. A Mr Cappel, once professor of Hebrew at Saumur, was his private tutor. When 17 years of age, he was sent to Clare-hall, Cambridge, where he successfully applied himself to the study of philosophy and the mathematics; and when only twenty-three years of age he was chosen a fellow of the Royal Society. His ingenious communications acquired him so much applause, that he was frequently chosen into its council. He was in habits of friendship with the illustrious Newton, at that time president, and by his influence was elected one of the vice-presidents in the year 1723. Mr Folkes became a candidate for the chair on the death of Sir Isaac Newton; but the superior interest of Sir Hans Sloane rendered his application ineffectual. In 1733 and the two subsequent years, his residence was for the most part in Italy, with the view of improving himself in the knowledge of classical antiquities. To ascertain the weight and value of ancient coins, he carefully consulted the cabinets of the curious; and on his return home he presented to the Antiquarian Society, of which he was a member, a dissertation on this subject. He read before the same learned body, a dissertation on the measurement of Trajan's and Antonine's pillar, together with other remains of antiquity. The fruits of his observations he presented to the Royal Society; and, in particular, "Remarks on the standard measure preserved in the Capitol of Rome," and the model of an ancient globe in the Farneian palace. He visited Paris in 1739, where he was received with great respect, and honoured with the company of the most eminent literary characters in that metropolis. This respect indeed he was entitled to by his unwearied application to many branches of knowledge which were both curious and useful. His valuable work, entitled "A table of English silver coins, from the Norman Conquest to the present time, with their weights, intrinsic values, and some remarks upon the several pieces," was printed in the year 1745. Among the many honours conferred upon Mr Folkes, he was created doctor of laws by both universities, and chosen president of the Antiquarian Society. He continued to furnish the Philosophical Transactions with many learned papers, till his career was stopped by a paralytic stroke, which terminated his useful life in the year 1754. He was a man of very extensive knowledge and great accuracy; but the chief benefit to science which resulted from his labours, was his treatise on the intricate subject of coins, weights, and measures. His cabinet and library were large and valuable, and exposed to public sale after his death. His private character was distinguished for politeness, generosity, and friendship.