Natural and Experimental History

tation of it, moreover, and in its elucidation, let them spare no labor, but proceed strenuously, persist, and die in the task. Since, therefore, in our Instauratio, we have placed Natural History, as it is in relation to our end, in the third part of the Work; it seemed best to anticipate this matter and to address it immediately. For although not a few things, and those of the utmost importance, remain to be completed in our Organum, it is nonetheless our plan to promote the whole Work of the Instauratio in many parts rather than to perfect it in few, desiring this perpetually with the greatest ardor (such as God is accustomed to add to minds, as we fully trust), so that what has never yet been attempted, may not now be attempted in vain. At the same time, this thought occurred to our mind: there are undoubtedly scattered throughout Europe many intellects, capable, free, lofty, subtle, solid, and constant. What if someone, endowed with such an intellect, should take up and test the method and use