88 NOVUM ORGANUM. 



of learning). We will not, therefore, endeavour to evince 

 it any further by words ; but content ourselves with steadily 

 and professedly premising, that no great progress can be 

 made by the present methods in the theory or contempla 

 tion of science, and that they cannot be made to produce 

 any very abundant effects. 



129. It remains for us to say a few words on the excel 

 lence of our proposed end. If we had done so before we 

 might have appeared merely to express our wishes, but 

 now that we have excited hope and removed prejudices, it 

 will perhaps have greater weight. Had we performed and 

 completely accomplished the whole, without frequently 

 calling in others to assist in our labours, we should then 

 have refrained from saying any more, lest we should be 

 thought to extol our own deserts. Since, however, the 

 industry of others must be quickened, and their courage 

 roused and inflamed, it is right to recall some points to 

 their memory. 



First then the introduction of great inventions appears 

 one of the most distinguished of human actions; and the 

 ancients so considered it. For they assigned divine honours 

 to the authors of inventions, but only heroic honours to 

 those who displayed civil merit (such as the founders of 

 cities and empires, legislators, the deliverers of their country 

 from lasting misfortunes, the quellers of tyrants, and the 

 like). And if any one rightly compare them he will find 

 the judgment of antiquity to be correct. For the bene 

 fits derived from inventions may extend to mankind in 

 general, but civil benefits to particular spots alone ; the 

 latter, moreover, last but for a time, the former for ever. 

 Civil reformation seldom is carried on without violence and 

 confusion, whilst inventions are a blessing and a benefit 

 without injuring or afflicting any. 



Inventions are also, as it were, new creations and imita 

 tions of divine works; as was expressed by the poet:* 



&quot; Primum frugiferos foetus mortalibus aagris 

 Dididerant quondam praestanti nomine Athenae 

 Et recreaverunt vitam legesque rogarunt.&quot; 



* This is the opening of the sixth book of Lucretius. Bacon probably quoted 

 from memory ; the lines are, 



Primae frugiferos foetus mortalibus aegris 

 Dldiderunt quondam prceclaro nomine Athenae 

 Et recreaverunt, &c. 



The teeming corn, that feeble mortals crave, 

 First, and long since, renowned Athens gave, 

 And cheered their life then taught to frame their laws. 



