A logic, at first allowed only to defend received opinions, al length gave rise to philosophical controversies, which, disguised as they were under a barbarous jargon, contained the seeds of the deepest and boldest speculations concerning the first principles of human knowledge. The revival of llie Roman jurisprudence rescued law from absolute dependence on the clergy, and raised up formidable rivals to that body ; the cultivation of the vernacular language, and llie study of ancient literature, diffused instruction and spirit among the laity; and Ihe mind of man w as gradually roused to that revolt against all human authority over reason, which is Ihe grand source of subsequent improvement in science, in art, in government, and in morals.fourth epoch is lhat of Ihe second emancipation of science, armed with belter instruments, supplied wilh far more abundant materials, and secured from attack or decay by a happier order of society. The reformers, w ho intended only to arrange the stale of theological opinion, restored man to the free exercise of reason. The innumerable inventions and discoveries which began in the middle of llie fifteenth century, promoted equally the increase and the diffusion of knowledge. Civilisation became impregnable ; llie ascendant of civilised nations over the other parts of Ihe human species was no longer capable of being shaken ; and from the beginning of this new career or sociely, it became impossible lo arrest its progress, or permanently to enslave the understanding.In the general history of Ihe human mind, Ihe Vcrulamian reformation of philosophy may doubtless be regarded as a portion of that great revolution by which the fourth epoch is distinguished. But in the history of science il may, w ith propriety, be separated from the general movement of society, and considered apart, as forming a fifth epoch in the progress of know ledge.olumbus, Luther, and Bacon arc perhaps, in modern times, the men of whom it may be said, with the greatest probability, lhat, if they had not existed, the whole coursc of human affairs in after ages would have been varied. We formerly said so much of the genius of Bacon, and of the reformation which he effected in philosophy, that it would be vain to attempt any additional observation on that subject. But, since our former article, the most important of Bacon’s w ritings has been illustrated by a commentary small indeed in extent, but, in our opinion, of inestimable value, as il exhibits a perfect model of the manner in which the whole of that great work might be adapted to the present state of science. We allude to Mr. Playfair’s observations on those parts of the ” Novum Organum” which relate to the various sorts of prejudice, and the comparative value of facts in physical enquiry.