Sylva Sylvarum: Or A Naturall Historie. In Ten Centuries. Published After The Authors Death, By William Rawley. Bacon, Francis.

First edition, second issue, of Bacon's natural historical work, a re-issue of first edition sheets with a new title. A compilation of one thousand paragraphs, it comprises extracts from many books, together with Bacon's own experiments and observations on natural philosophy. Published following Bacon's death in 1626 by his chaplain William Rawley, it also contains Bacon's utopia, New Atlantis, "a description of an island society and its scientific community, in which Bacon developed ideas outlined thirty years earlier. The aim of the Salomon's house was nothing less than 'the knowledge of Causes, and secret motions of things; and the enlarging of the bounds of Human Empire, to the effecting of all things possible' (Works, 3.156)." (ODNB) ESTC S106924; Gibson 171; Howgego B2. Folio (292 x 190 mm). Contemporary calf, rebacked, new red morocco label, triple blind rule border to sides. Portrait frontispiece, additional engraved title. Woodcut initials and headpieces; text printed within ruled border. Ownership inscription dated 1785 to front free endpaper. Spine repaired preserving part of original, corners worn. Occasional light spotting, one or two small rust marks and the odd stain, a few leaves with marginal worming. Leaf a2 of New Atlantis in cancelled state.