PREFACE. 



arrangement, and supplying the omitted portions. Such 

 of Shaw s notes as were deemed of value have been re 

 tained, and others added where the text seemed to re 

 quire illustration. Due care also has been taken to point 

 out the sources whence Bacon drew his extraordinary stores 

 of learning, by furnishing authorities for the quotations and 

 {illusions in the text, so that the reader may view at a glance 

 the principal authors whom Bacon loved to coiisult, and 

 whose agency contributed to the formation of his colossal 

 powers. 



The version of the ISovuin Oryanum contained in this 

 volume is that by Wood, which is the best extant. The 

 present edition of this immortal work has been enriched with 

 an ample commentary, in which the remarks of the two 

 Playfairs, Sir John Herschel, and the German and French 

 editors, have been diligently consulted, that nothing may 

 be wanting to render it as perfect as possible, 



J. D. 



