TO THE READER 



THIS Fable my Lord devised, to the end that he 

 might exhibit therein, a model or description of 

 a College, instituted for the interpreting of Nature, 

 and the producing of great and marvellous works for 

 the benefit of men; under the name of Salomon s 

 House, or the College of the Six Days Works. And 

 even so far his Lordship hath preceded, as to finish 

 that part. Certainly, the model is more vast, and high, 

 than can possibly be imitated in all things ; Notwith 

 standing most things therein are within men s power 

 to effect. His Lordship thought also in this present 

 fable, to have composed a frame of laws, or of the best 

 state or mould of a Common-wealth ; but foreseeing it 

 would be a long work, his desire of collecting the 

 Natural History diverted him, which he preferred 

 many degrees before it. 



This work of the New Atlantis (as much as concerneth 

 the English Edition) his Lordship designed for this 

 place; in regard it hath so near affinity (in one part 

 of it) with the preceding Natural History. 



W: RAWLEY. 



[From the First Edition (1627)] 



