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XIX, Remarks, illustrative of the Scope and Influence of the 
Philosophical Writings of Lord Bacon. By Macvey 
Napier, Esq, F. R. S. Lond. & Edin. and F. A. 8. Edin. 
(Read February 16. 1818.) 
Tur obligations of Experimental Physics to the labours of 
Lord Bacon, have been largely acknowledged by the genera- 
lity of those who have treated of the History of Modern Sci- 
ence; insomuch, that the title of Father of Experimental 
Philosophy has been oftener conferred upon him than upon 
any other of its benefactors. There are some, however, who 
seem to think, that there is no good ground for honouring him 
with this title, either on account of the merits or the effects of 
his writings. They do not indeed deny, that his views as to 
the proper objects and method of philosophizing were exten- 
sive and just ; but they contend, that he had no peculiar merit 
in having stated these views; that all that he taught was vir- 
tually and more effectually taught by the discoveries of some 
of his contemporaries ; and that, in fact, there are no traces of 
his agency to be found in the discoveries that followed *. 
These opinions, though they are to be met with in respect- 
able 
“#¢¢ Atqui Veruamuus ille, qui Germanz Philosophie Restitutor, quin etiam, si 
Superis placet, Parens a Bruxero aliisque habetur, quid aliud in Anglia presti- 
tit, 
