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BACON, Sir Francis (1561-1626). Instauratio magna [Novum organum]. London: John Bill, 1620.
First edition, second issue, of a ‘monumental work on the philosophy of science’ (Horblit). 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'. In this issue, e3 is cancelled, the previously blank e4 is printed with errata and the colophon omits the name of Bonham Norton. Dibner Heralds 80; Gibson 103b; Grolier/Horblit 8b; PMM 119.
Folio (280 x 184mm). Engraved title by Simon van der Pass showing a ship sailing through the pillars of Hercules, woodcut headpieces and historiated initials, with the initial blank serving as endpaper (faint waterstains in first and last few quires). Later vellum, possibly a remboitage preserving earlier endpapers. Provenance: Rouen, St Mary Magdalene (inscriptions dated 1703, ink stamp).
First edition, second issue, of a ‘monumental work on the philosophy of science’ (Horblit). 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'. In this issue, e3 is cancelled, the previously blank e4 is printed with errata and the colophon omits the name of Bonham Norton. Dibner Heralds 80; Gibson 103b; Grolier/Horblit 8b; PMM 119.
Folio (280 x 184mm). Engraved title by Simon van der Pass showing a ship sailing through the pillars of Hercules, woodcut headpieces and historiated initials, with the initial blank serving as endpaper (faint waterstains in first and last few quires). Later vellum, possibly a remboitage preserving earlier endpapers. Provenance: Rouen, St Mary Magdalene (inscriptions dated 1703, ink stamp).
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