Leon Battista, one of the most distinguished men of his age, was descended of the noble and ancient family of the Alberti of Florence, where most probably he was born, about the year 1404. Having received from his father an excellent education, at twenty years of age he produced a Latin comedy entitled Philodoxus, which, from its classic style, was generally believed to be the work of an ancient poet; and indeed, by a mistake, it was afterwards edited and published as such by the younger Aldus. Alberti was originally of a powerful frame, and excelled in feats of strength and agility; but his constitution was irreparably injured by a severe illness in early life. The energy of his mind, however, suffered no diminution; and he pursued his studies with extraordinary ardour. He is generally regarded as one of the restorers of the ancient style of architecture, and has been called by some writers the Florentine Vitruvius. He was much employed by Pope Nicolas V. in his buildings; and specimens of his skill are to be seen at Rome, Florence, Mantua, and Rimini. He was also distinguished as a mathematician, a poet, and a philosopher. His writings in the various departments of science are numerous; his treatises on sculpture and painting, in particular, are highly esteemed; but his most celebrated work is the treatise on architecture, De Re Adfictoria, which has been translated into Italian, French, and English. A splendid edition of this work in English and Italian, by Leoni, was published at London in 1726, in 3 vols. folio. This most accomplished man appears to have possessed an amiable and generous disposition, and was greatly respected and esteemed by his contemporaries. He died at Florence in his 85th year; and it is supposed that his remains were laid in the family sepulchre of the Alberti, which is still shown in that city. His life has been written by Poretti.