Sphinx, or Science: Explained of the Sciences

Francis Bacon's alleged connection to the Rosicrucians and Freemasonry has been widely discussed by authors and scholars in many books. Although there is no substantial evidence of Bacon's affiliation with Freemasonry, there are several elements that connect him with the Rosicrucian brotherhood and the highly secret Pythagorean Order.

The Bacon’s study Sphinx, or Science. Explained of the Sciences, which we propose to our readers today, is taken from The Wisdom of the Ancients, a philosophical treatise written by the English philosopher in the early 17th century. It is a collection of ancient myths and fables from various cultures, including Greek, Roman, and Egyptian. Bacon uses these stories to illustrate his philosophical ideas and teachings, drawing parallels between the ancient wisdom and contemporary knowledge.

Sphinx is said to propose various difficult questions and riddles to men, which she received from the Muses; and these questions, so long as they remain with the Muses, may very well be unaccompanied with severity, for while there is no other end of contemplation and inquiry but that of knowledge alone, the understanding is not oppressed, or driven to straits and difficulties, but expatiates and ranges at large, and even receives a degree of pleasure from doubt and variety; but after the Muses have given over their riddles to Sphinx, that is, to practice, which urges and impels to action, choice, and determination, then it is that they become torturing, severe, and trying, and, unless solved and interpreted, strangely perplex and harass the human mind, rend it every way, and perfectly tear it to pieces. All the riddles of Sphinx, therefore, leave two conditions annexed, viz., dilaceration to those who do not solve them, and empire to those that do. For he who understands the thing proposed obtains his end, and every artificer rules over his work.