ADDRESS. THE works of LORD BACON may be considered as 1. PHILOSOPHICAL. 2. POLITICAL. 3. LEGAL. OR 4. MISCELLANEOUS. His important work, which contains his Philosophy, and upon which his fame depends, is the "INSTAURATIO MAGNA." It consists of a preface, and of six distinct parts into which it is divided : I. PARTITIONES SCIENTIARUM.-A survey of the then existing knowledge, with a designation of the parts of science which were unexplored; -the cultivated parts of the intellectual world, and the deserts. II. NOVUM ORGANUM. - The art of invention, or the conduct of the understanding in the discovery of truth. III. PHENOMENA UNIVERSI.-History, natural and experimental, as a foundation for true philosophy. IV. SCALA INTELLECTUS.-An application of the Novum Organum by gradual instances and examples. V. PRODROMI, sive Anticipationes Philosophiæ secundæ-Anticipations of the sixth part. VI. SECUNDA PHILOSOPHIA, sive Scientia Activa. The system of philosophy which results from the sincere and strict enquiry prescribed in the former parts. Since the year 1730 there have been seven editions of the Works of Lord Bacon. In 1730, 4 vols. folio; 1740, 4 vols. folio; 1753, 3 vols. folio; 1765, 5 vols. 4to; 1778, 5 vols. 4to; 1803, 10 vols. 8vo. 1819, 10 vols. 8vo. It may seem extraordinary, that there is not in either of these editions a translation of any part of the Instauratio Magna:--the Advancement of Learning, which was published in two books, in English, in 1605, not being, as is frequently supposed, a translation of the De Augmentis Scientiarum, which was published in nine books, in Latin in 1623. (a) (a) They differ in extent, and there are many passages in each of these works which are not contained in the other. The beautiful passage for instance, upon Queen Elizabeth, in the Advancement of Learning, concerning the conjunction of learning in the prince, with felicity in the people, is not in the "De Augmentis." The treatise "De Augmentis," being more extensive, abounds with passages that are not contained in "The Advancement." I will take one specimen from each subject into which the work is divided:-viz. from, HISTORY, relating to the Memory. In the treatise De Augmentis, natural History is divided 1. As to the subject: 2. As to the use: 1. Of Nature in Course. 2. Of Nature Erring. 1. Narrative. 2. Inductive. But the division, as to the use, &c. is not contained in the Advance ment. Under Poetry-The fable of Pan, of Perseus, &c. which are not in the Advancement, will be found in the treatise De Augmentis. |