~ 1609 ~
"The Wisdom of the Ancients" is a book written by Francis Bacon in 1609, published in Latin. In this work, Bacon playfully unveils the hidden meanings and teachings behind ancient Greek fables. He believes that these fables hold wisdom on various subjects such as morality, philosophy, religion, civility, politics, science, and art. While not strictly scientific, two chapters, "Cupid; or the Atom" and "Proteus; or Matter," delve into Bacon's scientific philosophy. In "Cupid," he explores his vision of the nature of the atom and primal matter. "Proteus" symbolizes all matter in the universe and teaches how to extract truth from it. Bacon's interpretations offer profound insights into the ancient wisdom contained within these fables.