SOURCE: A preface to Fr. Rogeri Bacon Opera quœdam hactenus inedita, Vol. 1, edited by J. S. Brewer, 1859. Reprint by Kraus Reprint, 1965, pp. ix-lxxxiv.

Brewer was Professor of English Literature at King's College, London, and Reader at the Rolls. By the authority of Queen Victoria 's Treasury and under the direction of the Master of the Rolls, he edited a one-volume edition of Bacon's works which includes Opus Minus, Opus Tertium, Compendium studii philosophiae, and Epistola fratris Rogeri Baconis de secretis operibus artis et naturae, et de nullitate magiae. In the following excerpt, Brewer summarizes the significance of Bacon's contributions to science and philosophy.

Numerous proofs are at hand of his great regard for experimental philosophy. He considered it as the only security against vague theories, the chief remedy for the errors in speculation and practice prevalent in his age. If the world loves to contemplate the great...