![BACON, Sir Francis (1561-1626). Instauratio magna [Novum organum]. London: John Bill, 1620.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2015/CKS/2015_CKS_10455_0174_001(bacon_sir_francis_instauratio_magna_novum_organum_london_john_bill_162103535).jpg?w=1)
![BACON, Sir Francis (1561-1626). Instauratio magna [Novum organum]. London: John Bill, 1620.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2015/CKS/2015_CKS_10455_0174_000(bacon_sir_francis_instauratio_magna_novum_organum_london_john_bill_162093017).jpg?w=1)
Details
BACON, Sir Francis (1561-1626). Instauratio magna [Novum organum]. London: John Bill, 1620.
2° (283 x 175mm). Engraved title by Simon van der Pass. Woodcut headpieces and historiated initials. With the initial blank. (Some light soiling.) Early 19th-century speckled calf (upper cover detached). Provenance: Lady Davy (bookplate) – [B. Quaritch (collation note)] – Lord Kennet of the Dene (bookplate).
SECOND ISSUE OF THE FIRST EDITION: e3 is cancelled, and previously blank e4 is printed with errata and a colophon omitting the name of Bonham Norton. The Instauratio magna was conceived as a work in six parts, of which only De augmentis scientiarum, an expanded version of The Advancement of Learning, and the Novum organum were completed. The latter sets out Bacon's new philosophy and scientific method, arguing for a search not for truth but for 'a true knowledge of the universe'. The celebrated engraved title shows a ship sailing through the pillars of Hercules with the motto ‘Multi pertransibunt et augebitur scientia’ (‘Many will pass through and knowledge will be multiplied’). Dibner Heralds 80; Gibson 103b; Grolier/Horblit 8b; Pforzheimer App. 1; PMM 119; STC 1163.
2° (283 x 175mm). Engraved title by Simon van der Pass. Woodcut headpieces and historiated initials. With the initial blank. (Some light soiling.) Early 19th-century speckled calf (upper cover detached). Provenance: Lady Davy (bookplate) – [B. Quaritch (collation note)] – Lord Kennet of the Dene (bookplate).
SECOND ISSUE OF THE FIRST EDITION: e3 is cancelled, and previously blank e4 is printed with errata and a colophon omitting the name of Bonham Norton. The Instauratio magna was conceived as a work in six parts, of which only De augmentis scientiarum, an expanded version of The Advancement of Learning, and the Novum organum were completed. The latter sets out Bacon's new philosophy and scientific method, arguing for a search not for truth but for 'a true knowledge of the universe'. The celebrated engraved title shows a ship sailing through the pillars of Hercules with the motto ‘Multi pertransibunt et augebitur scientia’ (‘Many will pass through and knowledge will be multiplied’). Dibner Heralds 80; Gibson 103b; Grolier/Horblit 8b; Pforzheimer App. 1; PMM 119; STC 1163.
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