Francis Bacon and his secret society - Grand Lodge of Colorado

AND HIS SECRET SOCIETY. 65
whom it must have been hardest to deceive. . . . His enthusiasm
for truth in Nature ennobled his intercourse with his associates,
and placed them on a footing of such cordial fellowship with
his brother workers that he really loved them. At least it is
certain that he made them love him. "
319, 33, etc.)
(Abbott, Francis Bacon,
His cruelty — Want of feeling for animals — Vivisection.
u He seems to have no liking for birds or beasts, wild or tame.
The torture of a long-billed fowl by a toaggish Christian, who
called down on himself the resentment of the Turks by his
cruelty, inspires him with no deeper feeling than amusement."
(See the passage quoted below, of which this is the exposition,
in the introduction to
Dr. Abbott's edition of the Essays.)
" The restrictions on aviaries have been treated as an indication
that Bacon had a strong love for animals; but it would seem he
did not object to cages, provided the ivant of 'nestling' and
'foulness 1 do not obtrude themselves on the spectator." (Abbott,
notes to Ess. of Gardens.)
" While condemning vivisection of men, he assumes its lawfulness
when applied to animals, without restriction or justification."
(Abbott, notes to Ess. of Goodness.)
Macaulay, Campbell, and others, charge Bacon with aiding
and abetting the torturing of Peacham.
His kindness and tenderness of heart— Love of animals, flowers—
Vivisection.
Bacon is showing that " The inclination to goodness is imprinted
deeply in the nature of man; insomuch that, if it issue not
towards men, it will take unto other living creatures: as it is
seen in the'Turks, a cruel people, who nevertheless are kind to
beasts, and give alms to dogs and birds; insomuch, as Busbechius
reporteth, a Christian boy in
Constantinople had like
to have been stoned for gagging, in a waggishness, a long-billed
fowl." (Essay of Goodness and Goodness of Nature.)
" I love the birds as the French king doth. " (Spedding, L. L.
v. 444. Bacon's Notes.)