PREFACE. 



arrangement, and supplying the omitted portions. Sucli 

 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 

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

 the principal authors whom Bacon loved to consult, and 

 whose agency contributed to the formation of his colosrul 

 powers. 



The version of the Novum Organum 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 considted, that nothing may 

 be wanting to render it as perfect as possible. 



J. D. 



^ 



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