The most comprehensive collection available of Bacon's philosophical and scientific writings, this volume offers Bacon's major works in their entirety, or in generous selections, revised from the classic 19th century editions of Spedding, Ellis and Heath. Selections from Bacon's natural histories round out this edition by showing the types of compilations that he believed would most contribute to the third part of his Great Instauration. In her General Introduction, Rose-Mary Sargent sketches Bacon's early life, education, and legal career, and discusses the major components of his philosophical works, and traces his influence on subsequent natural philosophy.

The statesman, scientist, and philosopher Francis Bacon (1561-1626) lived a divided life. Was he a noble scholar, or a conniving political crook? Was he a homosexual? Lisa Jardine and Alan Stewart draw upon previously untapped sources to create a controversial nuanced portrait of the quintessential "Renaissance man", one whose achievements, while enormous, were nonetheless sadly circumscribed by his class and station.

Francis Bacon, 1st Viscount St. Alban(s), was an English philosopher, statesman, scientist, jurist and author. He served both as Attorney General and Lord Chancellor of England. He was extremely influential through his works, especially as philosophical advocate and practitioner of the scientific method during the scientific revolution. Francis Bacon's Philosophy is displayed in the vast and varied writings he left, which might be divided in three great branches: Scientifical works - in which his ideas for an universal reform of knowledge, scientific method and the improvement of mankind's state are presented. Religious/literary works - in which he presents his moral philosophy and theological meditations. Juridical works - in which his reforms in Law are proposed.