English statesman and philosopher of science. At a time when the religious fanaticism of the Counter Reformation had driven modern science from its birthplace of Italy, Bacon became its founding father in England, while at the same time achieving the highest political office under King James I. Not strictly a scientist himself, Bacon instead provided the method and inspiration of modern science, sponsoring in particular the inductive method.
Bacon’s father, Sir Nicholas Bacon, was lord keeper of the great seal of England under Elizabeth I. At the age of 12, Francis entered Trinity College, Cambridge, and later attracted the attention of the queen because of his intellectual precocity. Sir Nicholas died in 1579, and the eighteen-year-old Francis, being the youngest son, found himself penniless. He turned to the study of law, a career offering much to a poor youth with royal connections, and by the age of twenty-three he had already found a seat in the House of Commons. Near to being appointed attorney general to the queen, Bacon criticized her taxation policy in Parliament, and was denied the appointment. From this he concluded that sincerity in politics was unprofitable.