The History of the Royal Society of London

the most renowned Actions of the best Princes. For, to increase the powers of all mankind, and to free them from the bondage of errors, is greater glory than to enlarge empire, or to put chains on the necks of conquered nations.

What reverence all antiquity had for the authors of natural discoveries, is evident by the diviner sort of honor they conferred on them. Their founders of philosophical opinions were only admired by their own sects. Their valiant men and generals did seldom rise higher than to demigods and heroes. But the gods they worshipped with temples and altars, were those who instructed the world to plow, to sow, to plant, to spin, to build houses, and to find out new countries. This zeal indeed, by which they expressed their gratitude