"Of the advancement and proficience of learning or the partitions of sciences IX bookes Written in Latin by the most eminent illustrious & famous Lord Francis Bacon Baron of Verulam Vicont St Alban Counsilour of Estate and Lord Chancellor of England. Interpreted by Gilbert Wats."

This is the first English edition of Francis Bacons “On the Advancement of Learning” - published in Oxford in 1640.

-Published by Leon Lichfield - Printer to the University of Oxford - for Robert Young and E. Forrest

-1st edition (2nd Issue - as usual - with the colophon dated 1640)

Folio - [38], 60, [14], 352, 351-477, [21] (Complete)

Early 20th Century calf (to style) - Rebacked

Less common varient edition with letterpress title page and portrait of Francis Bacon

The work is a foundation text on the scientific method, with 9 books exploring the relationship between philosophy and science. Bacon breaks down human knowledge into its different parts, with theology underpinning all learning. He argues that all knowledge must come from sensory experience or empirical evidence - the basis of the scientific method

Provenance - Contemporary ownership signatures to title page - John Seymour , Glen eyre? 1690

ESTC S106902; USTC 3020913