

NOTES 3 C 3 D 3 K 3 F 3 G. 



3 C. Life, p. xxxv. 



The Elements of the Common Lawes of England, branched into a Double Tract: 

 the one containing a Collection of some principall Rules and Maximes of the 

 Common Law, with their Latitude and Extent. Explicated for the more facile 

 Introduction of such as are studiously addicted to that noble profession. The other 

 the Use of the Common Law, for the preser cation of our Persons, Goods, and 

 Good Names. According to the Lawes and Customes of this Land. By the late 

 Sir Francis Bacon, knight, Lo. Verulam, and Viscount s. Alban. Videre Vtilitas. 

 London, Printed by the Assignees of John More, Esquire. 1630. 



Editions were afso published in 1636 and 1639. 



3 D. Life, p. xxxv. 



REGULA I. Injure non remota causa, sed proxima spectatur. It were infinite 

 for the law to judge the causes of causes, and their impulsions one of another ; 

 therefore it contenlelh itself with the immediate cause, and judgeth of acts by 

 that, without looking to any further degree. 



As if an annuity be granted pro consilio impenso et impendendo, and the grantee 

 commit treason, whereby he is imprisoned, so that the grantor cannot have 

 access unto him for his counsel : yet, nevertheless, the annuity is not deter 

 mined by this non-feasance ; yet it was the grantee s act and default to commit 

 the treason, whereby the imprisonment grew : but the law looketh not so far, 

 but excuseth him, because the not giving counsel was compulsory, and not 

 voluntary, in regard of the imprisonment. 



He proceeds in the same manner to prove by other instances the rule which 

 he had established. 



3 E. Life, p. xxxv. 



The preface continues thus : Having collected three hundred of them, I 

 thought good, before I brought them all into form, to publish some few, that by 

 the taste of other men s opinions in this first, I might receive either approbation 

 in mine own course, or better advice for the altering of the other which remain ; 

 for it is great reason that that which is intended to the profit of others, should be 

 guided by the conceits of others. 



3 F. Life, p. xxxv. 



Atque quemadmodum vulgaris logica, quae regit res per syllogismum, noil 

 tantum ad naturales, sed ad omnes scientias pertinet ; ita et nostra quae pro- 

 cedit per inductionem, omnia complectitur. Tarn enim historiam et tabulas 

 inueniendi conficimus de ira, metu, et verecundia, et similibus ; ac etiam de 

 exemplis rerum civilium ; nee minus de motibus mentalibus memoriae, compo- 

 sitionis et divisionis, judicii, et reliquorum : quam de calido etfrigido, aut luce, 

 aut vegetatione, aut similibus. 



3 G. Life, p. xxxvi. 



I hold every man a debtor to his profession ; from the which, as men of 

 course, do seek to receive countenance and profit, so ought they of duty to en 

 deavour themselves, by way of amends, to be a help and ornament thereunto. 

 This is performed in some degree by the honest and liberal practice of a pro 

 fession, when men shall carry a respect not to descend into any course that is 

 corrupt and unworthy thereof, and preserve themselves free from the abuses 

 wherewith the same profession is noted to be infected ; but much more is this 

 peformed if a man be able to visit and strengthen the roots and foundation of 

 the science itself; thereby not only gracing it in reputation and dignity, but 

 also amplifying it in perfection and substance. Having, therefore, from the 



