TO THE READER. It was the intention of Lord Bacon, in writing this interesting fable, to exhibit a model, or description of a College, for the interpreting of nature, and the producing of great and marvellous works for the benefit of mankind, under the name of Solomon's House, or the College of the Six Days Works. He proceeded so far as to accomplish this part. It is not possible that this vast model could be imitated in all its parts, notwithstanding most things therein are within the power of man to effect. His Lordship farther intended to compose a frame of laws of the best state or mould of a common-wealth, but, foreseeing it would be a long work, his desire of prosecuting other objects, (to him more preferable) prevented it. |