BACON (FRANCIS)


Instauratio magna [Novum organum], FIRST EDITION, second issue (with e3 cancelled and previously blank e4 printed with an errata and colophon omitting Norton's name), engraved allegorical title by Simon van der Pass, woodcut headpieces and historiated initials, small piece cut away (filled) from lower margin of dedication leaf, old indistinct blue ink circular stamp touching text of pp.149/150, stamp pasted to blank verso of title, contemporary calf, spine gilt-tooled with floral devices and title ("De Veru Opera") in 7 compartments within raised bands, joints slightly tender, rubbed [ESTC S122428; Gibson 103b; PMM 119], small folio (290 x 185mm.), [Bonham Norton and] John Bill, 1620
|A crisp copy of Francis Bacon's major philosophical work, in which he aimed to replace the Aristotelian image of science as a contemplation and organization of eternal truths with "a truly active or operative science, to be seen not so much as a contemplative episteme as part of the practical, active life. In his attempt to link human science (scientia) and human power (potentia) Bacon was making a novel claim which altered the function of science in human life" (ODNB).Provenance: ?C. Slentelot, ink name at foot of title-page; College of the Society of Jesus, Metz, circular stamp pasted on verso of title.