PALINGENIUS, MARCELLUS, an Italian poet, well known by a poem divided into 12 books, and entitled Zodiacus Vitae, which he was several years in composing, and dedicated to Hercules II. of Este, duke of Ferrara. Some say he was a physician to that prince; others rank him among the learned Lutherans, to whom the duchess of Ferrara gave a reception in her court, and honoured with her protection. His Zodiac contains good things, and is a philosophical satire against immorality and false prejudices. Of the author's life, however, but little is known. He died some time between the years 1537 and 1543.