XVI LIFE OK BACOX. 



enlarging of the bounds of human empire, to the effecting 

 of all things possible.&quot;( w ) 



In these glorious inventions of one rich mind, may be 

 traced much of what has been effected in science and me 

 chanics, since Bacon s death, and more that will be effected 

 during the next two centuries. 



1576 After three years residence in the university, his father 



Mi. 16. sent him, at the age of sixteen, to Paris, under the care of 

 France. g r ^ m i as p au l e tt, the English ambassador at that court : (a) 

 by whom, soon after his arrival, he was entrusted with a 

 mission to the queen, requiring both secrecy and dispatch : 

 which he executed with such ability as to gain the appro 

 bation of the queen, and justify Sir Amias in the choice of 

 his youthful messenger. 



From the confidence thus reposed in him, and from the 



We have also particular pools where we make trials upon fishes, as we 

 have said before of beasts and birds. 



We have also places for breed and generation of those kinds of worms 

 and flies which are of special use, such as are with you your silk-worms 

 and bees. 



We have also precious stones of all kinds, many of them of great 

 beauty and unknown ; crystals and glasses of divers kinds. W T e represent 

 also ordnance and instruments of war, and engines of all kinds ; and like 

 wise new mixtures and compositions of gunpowder, wild-fires burning in 

 water and unquenchable ; also fire-works of all variety, both for pleasure 

 and use. We imitate also flights of birds ; we have some degrees of flying 

 in the air; we have ships and boats for going under water, and brooking of 

 seas; also swimming girdles and supporters. 



We have also sound houses, where we practise and demonstrate all 

 sounds, and their generation. We have harmonies which you have not, of 

 quarter sounds, and lesser slides of sounds. Divers instruments of music, 

 likewise to you unknown, some sweeter than any you have ; with bells and 

 rings that are dainty and sweet. 



We have also a mathematical house, where are all instruments, as well of 

 geometry as astronomy, exquisitely made. We have also houses of deceits 

 of the senses, &c. &c. 



(??) See Note N at the end, for an account of the New Atlantis. 



() Rawley, see note O at the end. 



