Page:The Advancement of Learning (Wright, 5th ed).pdf/34

Articles or Considerations touching the Union of the Kingdoms of England and Scotland, in view of the Commission appointed to meet in October for the discussion of the question. A draft of a proposed proclamation touching his Majesty’s style was also prepared at the same time, but not used. Just as the Commission had commenced its sittings, the Solicitorship became vacant; but Bacon was again passed over, and Doderidge appointed.

Still his professional occupations allowed him less leisure than ever, and when on the 24th of December the next meeting of Parliament was postponed till October, 1605, Bacon foresaw that, if he intended to finish his work on the Advancement of Learning, he must make good use of the interval. Mr. Spedding has pointed out that the first book was printed in all probability before the second was ready for the press, and that the second book shows marks of haste both in printing and composition. The entries in the books of the Stationers’ Company^[1] indicate that his first intention was to have issued the work both in Latin and English. Under the date of Aug. 19, 1605, we find, ‘Mr. Richard Ockould. Entred for his Copies vnder the handes of the B: of London & Mr. Feild warden, The firste parte of the Twoo bookes of S^r Frauncis Bacon, Of the proficience & advauncem^t of Learninge divine and Humane to be printed bothe in Englishe & Lattin. xij^d.’ And again, Sept. 19: ‘Mr. Ockold. Entred for his copie vnder the handes of my Lo. Bysshoop of Londoñ. and the wardens, A booke aswell in Latyn as in Englishe called The second book of frauncis Bacoñ. of the proficience and Advauncement of learninge Divine and humane. xij^d.’ We might almost infer from these two entries that Bacon in the course of the summer had resolved to issue the first book separately, either from inability to finish the second, or for some other reason, and that he afterwards changed his mind and printed the second very