London: Printed for Henrie Tomes, 1605. First edition. Quarto (pgs. 135 x 178 mm): [Title], 1-45; 1-118; complete as to text, lacking blanks and errata. With the typical erratic page numberings. Bound in soiled limp vellum, lacking ties, with a nineteenth century owner's signature on the end paper. Title page soiled and backed with a few marginal repairs to leaves A2 & A3. Light marginal notations and underlining throughout, minor marginal worming, and some soiling to leaves. A worn, but textually complete copy of this important early work by Bacon. A precursor to Bacon's masterwork the "Instauratio Magna" this book focuses primarily on the classification of philosophy and the sciences. Implicit in the work is the use of the Baconian method, what becomes the Scientific method as more fully developed in the "Instauratio." Because it was first published in English and later translated into Latin, it is considered one of the earliest philosophical works in English. A foundational work of western thought. Additional images available upon request.
Item #588