The Advancement of Learning

Published in 1605, Sir Francis Bacon’s ‘The Advancement of Learning’ is a ground-breaking philosophical work that outlines his empirical scientific method. Addressed to King James I, this two book treatise argues the importance of utilising observable facts over reason or feeling in science. Cutting through the noise of the English Renaissance, Bacon clearly and concisely explains his ideas for human progress, and where scientific thought could take us.



Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626) was an English author, philosopher, and statesman. A prolific author, his work has spanned science, religion and literary fiction. His work has had a profound impact on science, and he is often regarded as ‘The Father of Empiricism’. His most important books, ‘Novum Organum’ and ‘New Atlantis’ have a significant legacy. ‘Novum Organum’ was heavily influential to 17th century scholars, particularly Sir Thomas Browne who utilised ‘The Baconian Method’ for much of his encyclopaedia ‘Pseudodoxia Epidemica’. ‘Salomon’s House’ from ‘The New Atlantis’ was frequently used as inspiration for the establishment of ‘The Royal Society’, the United Kingdom’s national academy for sciences.