The obligations of Experimental Physics to the labours of Lord Bacon, have been largely acknowledged by the generality of those who have treated of the History of Modern Science; insomuch, that the title of Father of experimental Philosophy has been oftener conferred upon him than upon any other of its benefactors. There are some, however, who seem to think, that there is no good ground for honouring him with this title, either on account of the merits or the effects of his writings. They do not indeed deny, that his views as to the proper objects and method of philosophizing were extensive and just; but they contend, that he had no peculiar merit in having stated these views; that all that he taught was virtually and more effectually taught by the discoveries of some of his contemporaries; and that, in fact, there are no traces of his agency to be found in the discoveries that followed.