XIX, Remarks, illustrative of the Scope and Influence of the 

 Philosophical Writings of Lord Bacon. By MacveV 

 Napier, Esq, F. R. S. Lond. & Edin. and F. A. S. Edin. 



( Read February 16. 181 8 J 



JL HE obligations of Experimental Physics to the labours of 

 Lord Bacon, have been largely acknowledged by the genera- 

 lity of those who have treated of the History of Modern Sci- 

 ence ; insomuch, that the title of Father of Experimental 

 Philosophy has been oftener conferred upon him than upon 

 any other of its benefactors. There are some, however, who 

 seem to think, that there is no good ground for honouring him 

 with this title, either on account of the merits or the effects of 

 his writings. They do not indeed deny, that his views as to 

 the proper objects and method of philosophizing were exten- 

 sive and just ; but they contend, that he had no peculiar merit 

 in having stated these views ; that all that he taught was vir- 

 tually and more effectually taught by the discoveries of some 

 of his contemporaries ; and that, in fact, there are no traces of 

 his agency to be found in the discoveries that followed*. 

 These opinions, though they are to be met with in respect- 

 able 



•• " Atqui Verulamius ille, qui Germans Philosophise Restitutor, quin etiam, si 

 Superis placet, Parens a Brukero aliisque habetur, quid aliud in Anglia praesti- 



tit, 



