Francis Bacon was an English lawyer, writer, statesman, and philosopher.  He had a great influence on the science of that time.  He was 12 years old when he began studies Trinity College at Cambridge.  In 1576, he entered Gray’s Inn to become a lawyer.  He never really got far in becoming a lawyer, because he ultimately became a member of the Parliament in 1584.  He advanced up in the ranks, especially after James I became the king.  He was given many positions and was knighted by the king, himself.  Then in 1621, he was found guilty of accepting bribes and was removed from office.  He moved to Gorhambury and focused on writing and science.  He wrote a few books and helped lead a scientific revolution.  He died of pneumonia on April 9, 1626.

He helped lead the scientific revolution.  He gave many new philosophies and helped increase the knowledge of the people of that time.  It is because of his smarts that he was so successful.  He was elected to parliament when he was 23 years old.  After being removed from Parliament, he went to write many books, such as The New Atlantis.  This was about a man who was on a ship that was blown off course to an island.  They find a society which lives in peace and harmony.  He goes to the college their to learn the Baconian Method to understand and conquer nature.  He also wrote many essays based on scientific philosophies, such as Novum Organon that described the Baconian method.  The method consisted of three parts.  It told to describe facts, classify them into groups, and use those facts to improve our scientific knowledge.  This led to scientific observations as a method, and has had great influence on science ever since.

1. What would this person’s “Senior Quote” be in their high school yearbook? “Knowledge is power.” He was a genius in his time.  This is why he was so successful in gaining power in parliament.  Knowledge had gained him power, as it has done for many people in the past.  Knowledge is why he is remembered.
2. What “Senior Superlative” would this person be voted? Most likely to be successful.  I chose this superlative, because he was very successful in gaining power, and in the study of science.  He wrote many essays which he was praised for, including his most famous, The New Atlantis.  This was a time where success was rare.  He did become successful.

Bibliography:

Doyle, John P. "Bacon, Francis (philosopher)." Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia. 2009. Grolier Online. 6 Mar. 2009 <http://gme.grolier.com/cgi-bin/article?assetid=0022690-0>.

 Carré, Meyrick H. "Bacon, Francis." Encyclopedia Americana. 2009. Grolier Online. 6 Mar. 2009 <http://ea.grolier.com/cgi-bin/article?assetid=0029550-00>.

Connor M.