The New Atlantis of Francis Bacon

healing is the result of applied science. Let us not underestimate the significance of this point. For Bacon the science of medicine is just as much a divine work as the Gospel miracle. But the age of miracles is over. A new age has begun. That is the very meaning of ‘The Great Instauration’, which is in plain English, a great fresh start. Roger Bacon had wished to bring magic within the circle of the approved Christian disciplines. His better-advised namesake aimed to do the same for science. The magnalia Dei, the mighty works of divine grace, would remain operative in the spiritual life. The magnalia naturae, now under the control of man, would take over in the material sphere. Christianity would be stretched to accommodate the new science and technology. If this were not done, if men continued to seek for miracles in the natural world, Christianity would sink to the level of an outmoded superstition. Schweitzer, the medical missionary, understood Bacon’s role. He gave him credit for sketching the blue-print of the modern world. Scientific medicine is the new pool of Bethesda.

After the lapse of three days, when all were refreshed and the sick restored, the Governor of the Strangers’ House came to them in person. Though by office Governor he was by vocation a Christian priest. He brings them the news that they have been granted a stay of six weeks in Bensalem. They need not worry about the cost of their entertainment. The House is in funds; thirty-seven years have passed since the last strangers came to visit them. He has no doubt, if they want a longer stay, it will be granted them. He then becomes the first of the three informants from whom the strangers, or the more privileged among them, learn the history, institutions, and customs of Bensalem.

The first topic raised between them after the practical matters had been settled was no doubt intended by Bacon to carry special emphasis. The strangers, being given leave to ask anything they like choose first to enquire now Christianity came to Bensalem, who was the Apostle and how the kingdom was converted to the faith. The way the question is greeted is significant. “Ye knit my heart to you, the Governor exclaims, “by asking that question in the first place; for it sheweth that you first seck the kingdom of heaven.”

The past history of Bensalem, as reported by the Goyernor of