BACON 



tion of the universe, the motion of animals appears to be chiefly 

 effected by four joints or bendings. 



The teeth of land animals, and the beaks of birds, are similar 

 instances, whence it is clear, that in all perfect animals there is a 

 determination of some hard substance towards the mouth. 



Again, the resemblance and conformity of man to an inverted 

 plant is not absurd. For the head is the root of the nerves and 

 animal faculties, and the seminal parts are the lowest, not in- 

 cluding the extremities of the legs and arms. But in the 

 plant, the root (which resembles the head) is regularly placed in 

 the lowest, and the seeds in the highest part. 



Lastly, we must particularly recommend and suggest, that 

 man's present industry in the investigation and compilation of 

 natural history be entirely changed, and directed to the reverse 

 of the present system. For it has hitherto been active and 

 curious in noting the variety of things, and explaining the ac- 

 curate differences of animals, vegetables, and minerals, most 

 of which are the mere sport of nature, rather than of any real 

 utility as concerns the sciences. Pursuits of this nature are 

 certainly agreeable, and sometimes of practical advantage, but 

 contribute little or nothing to the thorough investigation of 

 nature. Our labor must therefore be directed towards inquir- 

 ing into and observing resemblances and analogies, both in the 

 whole and its parts, for they unite nature, and lay the founda- 

 tion of the sciences. 



Here, however, a severe and rigorous caution must be ob- 

 served, that we only consider as similar and proportionate in- 

 stances, those which (as we first observed) point out physical 

 resemblances ; that is, real and substantial resemblances, deeply 

 founded in nature, and not casual and superficial, much less 

 superstitious or curious; such as those which are constantly 

 put forward by the writers on natural magic (the most idle of 

 men, and who are scarcely fit to be named in connection with 

 such serious matters as we now treat of), who, with much van- 

 ity and folly, describe, and sometimes too, invent, unmeaning 

 resemblances and sympathies. 



But leaving such to themselves, similar instances are not to 

 be neglected, in the greater portions of the world's conforma- 

 tion ; such as Africa and the Peruvian continent, which reaches 

 to the Straits of Magellan; both of which possess a similar 

 isthmus and similar capes, a circumstance not to be attributed 

 to mere accident. 



Again, the new and old world are both of them broad and 

 expanded towards the north, and narrow and pointed towards 

 the south. 



Again, we have very remarkable similar instances in the in- 

 tense cold, towards the middle regions (as it is termed) of the 



