The works of Francis Bacon, lord chancellor of England.

FRANCIS OF VERULAM
TIHOUGHT TIHUS,
AND SUCH IS THE METHOD lIE WITHIN HIMSELF PURSUED, WHICH HE THOUGHT IT CONCERNED
BOTH THlE LIVING AND POSTERITY TO BECOME ACQUAINTED W.7ITH.
SEEING he was satisfied that the human under- I be infinite, and above the strength of a mere morstanding creates itself labour, and makes not a tal, yet will it, in the execution, be found to be
judicious and convenient use of such real helps more sound and judicious than the course which
as are within man's power, whence arise both a has hitherto been pursued. For this method
manifold ignorance of things, and innumerable admits at least of some termination, whilst, in the
disadvantages, the consequence of such ignorance; present mode of treating the sciences, there is a
he thought that we ought to endeavour, with all sort of whirl, and perpetual hurry round a circle.
our might, either (if it were possible) completely Nor has he forgotten to observe that he stands
to restore, or, at all events, to bring to a better alone in this experiment, and that it is too bold
issue that free intercourse of the mind with things, and astonishing to obtain credit. Nevertheless,
nothing similar to which is to be met with on he thought it not right to desert either the cause
earth, at least as regards earthly objects. But or himself, by not exploring and entering upon
that errors which have gained firm ground, and the only way, which is pervious to the human
will forever continue to gain ground, would, if mind. For it is better to commence a matter
the mind were left to itself, successively correct which may admit of some termination, than to be
each other, either from the proper powers of the involved in perpetual exertion and anxiety about
understanding, or from the helps and support of that which is interminable. And, indeed, the
logic, he entertained not the slightest hope. Be- ways of contemplation nearly resemble those celecause the primary notions of things, which the brated ways of action; the one of which, steep and
mind ignorantly and negligently imbibes, stores rugged atits commencement, terminates in a plain,
up, and accumulates, (and from which every thing the other, at the first view smooth and easy, leads
else is derived,) are faulty and confused, and care- only to by-roads and precipices. Uncertain,
lessly abstracted from the things themselves; and however, whether these reflections would ever
in the secondary and following notions, there is hereafter suggest themselves to another, and, paran equal wantonness and inconsistency. Hence ticularly, having observed, that he has never yet
it happens that the whole system of human rea- met with any person disposed to apply his mind
soning, as far as we apply it to the investigation to similar meditations, he determined to publish
of nature, is not skilfully consolidated and built whatsoever he had first time to conclude. Nor is
up, but resembles a magnificent pile that has no this the haste of ambition, but of his anxiety, that
foundation. For while men admire and celebrate if the common lot of mankind should befall him,
the false energies of the mind, they pass by, and some sketch and determination of the matter his
lose sight of the real; such as may exist if the mind had embraced might.be extant, as well as
mind adopt proper helps, and act modestly an earnest of his will being honourably bent upon
towards things instead of weakly insulting them. promoting the advantage of mankind. He assuBut one course was left, to begin the matter anew redly looked upon any other ambition as beneath
with better preparation, and to effect a restoration the matter he had undertaken;. for that which is
of the sciences, arts, and the whole of human learn- here treated of is either nothing, or it is so great
ing, established on their proper foundation. And, that he ought to be satisfied with its own worth,
although, at the first attempt, this may appear to and seek no other return.
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