INTERPRETATION OF NATURE. 35 



fiercely to increase their sway in their own country ; and 

 this is common and mean. The second of those who strive 

 to extend the sway of their country over other nations ; 

 which has doubtless more dignity, but not less selfishness. 

 The third is of those who essay to create and extend the 

 sway and empire of man himself or the human race over 

 the universe of matter; which is clearly wiser and nobler 

 than the others. Now the empire of man consists in know 

 ledge alone, for his power is what he knows, nor can any 

 force burst the chain of natural causes; for nature is only 

 to be conquered by obeying. 



He thought also and inquired what account should be 

 made of the value and efficacy of inventions, whether simple 

 and unmixed, or joined with their favours and benefits. And 

 in no case is this consideration more plainly suggested, than 

 in those three inventions, which were unknown to the an 

 cients, and whose birth among us was obscure and noise 

 less ; printing, gunpowder, and the compass. For these three, 

 though a small number, and not remote in invention, have 

 changed the face of things, and the condition of the world : 

 the first in literature, the second in war, the third in naviga 

 tion : and hence have flowed infinite mutations in the state 

 of things, apparent to careful observers; so that no em 

 pire, sect, or star, seems to have had a stronger influence, 

 and, as it were, ascendant over human affairs than those 

 mechanical works. As to their worth, it may be best 

 descried if any one will reflect what a gulf there is between 

 man s life in the most polished country of Europe, and the 

 rudest and most savage region of the New Indies : so 

 great, that man may fairly be said to be a god to man, not 

 only by reason of assistance and benefit, but from com 

 paring their conditions. And this is not the effect of soil, 

 or climate, or constitution, but of arts. But the new world 

 of science and the new world of geography do not agree in 

 the old being more refined than the new : on the contrary 

 it is certain that the additions to arts must show them 

 selves greatly superior to those we have, so as not only to 

 bend nature gently, but to conquer and enslave it, and 

 shake it to its foundation : for it almost always happens 

 that what is easy of discovery is infirm of work ; since the 

 roots of things of potent virtue are covered deeply. But if 

 to any one given to the love and worship of contemplation, 

 this frequent and honourable mention of works sounds 

 somewhat harsh and offensive, let him be assured that he 

 thwarts his natural wishes; for in nature works are not 



