This text is an excerpt from Francis Bacon’s unfinished utopian novel, New Atlantis, which details the discovery and customs of a mysterious, isolated island called Bensalem. The central purpose of the narrative, as indicated in the introductory remarks, is to present a “model or description of a college” dedicated to scientific investigation and practical invention for the “benefit of man,” known as Salomon’s House. The majority of the excerpt focuses on the detailed account given by one of the Fathers of Salomon’s House, who describes their extensive preparations and instruments—such as deep caves, high towers, and various specialized houses for experiments—and outlines the highly organized “employments and functions” of the researchers, who are given specialized roles like “Merchants of Light” and “Interpreters of Nature,” all working toward the “enlarging of the bounds of human empire, to the effecting of all things possible.” The surrounding narrative also highlights Bensalem’s exceptional Christian piety and deep humanity toward strangers, emphasizing the society’s moral and religious foundations alongside its advanced scientific endeavors.
