Sir Francis Bacon did not develop his proposals to “restart the whole operation of the mind” (Bacon, 1994, p. 38) in a void. Bacon knew the works of Classical, Medieval, and Renaissance authors, read accounts of travelers to distant lands, followed the technical developments of his time, had an interest in commerce and the practical arts, was familiar with the practice of magic, remained deeply imbued with religious ideas, and was also familiar with the ins and outs of exercising power in the English court.