著者

柴田 和宏

出版者

日本科学史学会

雑誌

科学史研究 (ISSN:21887535)

巻号頁・発行日

vol.50, no.257, pp.25-30, 2011 (Released:2021-07-22)

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This paper explores the notions of density and rarity in Francis Bacon's matter theory and demonstrates their central role in his natural philosophy in its theoretical and practical dimensions. The distinction between density and rarity derived from his fundamental perception of matter and enabled him to explain the causality of various natural phenomena. His notion of spiritus was also based on this distinction. These theoretical aspects were intimately connected to practical spheres in his project of domesticating nature, for Bacon believed density and rarity to be a major source in making useful products for mankind. This can be illustrated through the analysis of his discussions on the production of gold and the prolongation of life.