Carnegie Mellon University

November Highlight - Posner Choice


Bacon imageKnowledge Organized

Francis Bacon, Viscount St. Albans, 1561-1626. Francisci de Verulamio, summi Angliae cancellarii. Instauratio magna. London, John Bill, 1620.

Bacon's great work on the philosophy of science describes the systematic organization of knowledge. He emphasized the experimental and inductive methods. The engraved title page, the ship sailing through the Pillars of Hercules to the new world, symbolizes the progress of science. Bacon served two monarchs, Queen Elizabeth I and James I, in many capacities. The enthusiastic reception of this book brought him fame at home and abroad.

Henry Posner Sr. (1888-1976) purchased the book in 1959, fairly early in his pursuit of landmark titles in the history of science.

Selected by Anne Molloy, Executive Director of the Posner Fine Arts Foundation.