ABSTRACT
Thus all knowledge will be subdivided and extended; and knowledge, as Lord Bacon observes, being power, the human powers will, in fact, be increased; . . .
With these words, Joseph Priestley in 1768 was one of many who referred confidently to Francis Bacon’s equation of power and knowledge.1 That there were linkages seemed obvious. As a result, the reformist Priestley was (at that stage in his life) radiantly optimistic. Since the growth of knowledge was proceeding rapidly, so human capacities would increase simultaneously. And, as that happened, so society would improve:
Thus, whatever was the beginning of this world, the end will be glorious and paradisaical, beyond what our imaginations can now conceive.
