14 PREFACE TO THE TEMPORIS PARTUS MASCULUS. 



retaining only that tone of lofty confidence in the worth 

 of his own speculations which grew naturally out of his 

 profound conviction of their truth. 



I have thought this conjecture of mine worth record- 

 ing, because if this be the true history of the composi- 

 tion it gives it a new and peculiar interest, and should 

 be taken along with us as we read. It has however 

 another interest besides, as containing many opinions 

 which Bacon has not expressed elsewhere ; and though 

 the manner of announcing them is affected, the opinions 

 are no doubt his own, whatever be the value of 

 them. 



The notes to this work are all Mr. Ellis's. 



J. S. 



