Bacon, Sir Francis | A "landmark in the advancement of human learning"

From the Library of Clayre and Jay Michael Haft

Bacon, Sir Francis

Instauratio Magna [Novum Organum]. London: [Bill Norton and] John Bill, 1620 

Folio (279 x 187 mm). Engraved title-page, woodcut headpieces and historiated initials; relatively minor dampstaining to P2, some mold spotting primarily to preliminary and final leaves, a few stray spots, e3 with closed tear skillfully repaired, a few tiny burn holes generally not affecting text. Early calf, covers paneled in gilt with central gilt ornamental lozenge, spine with raised bands in six compartments; some rubbing to extremities, endleaves renewed.

First edition, second issue, of a "landmark in the advancement of human learning" (Pforzheimer I: p.xxi). The Instauratio Magna was intended to be a work in six parts, but only De Augmentis Scientiarum, an expanded version of The Advancement of Learning, and the Novum Organum were completed. "Bacon made no contributions to science itself, but his insistence on making science experimental and factual, rather than speculative and philosophical, had powerful consequences" (PMM).

REFERENCES:

STC 1163; ESTC S122428 ; Gibson 103b; Grolier/Horblit 8B; PMM 119