PREFACE. Xlll 



patent for sciences of nature ; and thereby to make 

 philosophy and sciences both more true and more 

 active. 



This tending to enlarge the bounds of reason, 

 and to endow man s estate with new value, was no 

 improper oblation to your majesty, who, of men, is 

 the greatest master of reason, and author of bene 

 ficence. 



There be two of your council, and one other 

 bishop (/;) of this land, that know I have been about 

 some such work near thirty years ; so as I made no 

 haste. And the reason why I have published it 

 now, specially being unperfect, is, to speak plainly, 

 because I number my days, and would have it saved. 

 There is another reason of my so doing, which is to 

 try, whether I can get help in one intended part of 

 this work, namely, the compiling of a natural and 

 experimental history, which must be the main foun 

 dation of a true and active philosophy. 



This work is but a new body of clay, whereinto 

 your majesty, by your countenance and protection, 

 may breathe life. And, to tell your majesty truly 

 what I think, I account your favour may be to this 

 work as much as an hundred year s time : for I am 

 persuaded, the work will gain upon men s minds in 

 ages, but your gracing it may make it take hold 

 more swiftly ; which I would be very glad of, it 

 being a work meant, not for praise or glory, but for 

 practice and the good of men. One thing, I con 

 fess, I am ambitious of, with hope, which is, that af- 

 (p) Dr. Lancelot Andrews, Bishop of Winchester. 



