Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Roger Bacon: An English scientist and Franciscan monk of the 13th century, renowned for his early advocacy of the empirical method. He is noted for his work in optics and for demonstrating that air is necessary for combustion.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The writings of Roger Bacon emphasized the importance of experimental science.
  • Roger Bacon is sometimes called one of the earliest European advocates of the modern scientific method.

Advanced Usage

• "Baconian method": While more closely associated with Francis Bacon, Roger Bacon's similar emphasis on experimentation sometimes leads to historical discussion linking their philosophies.
  • Some scholars draw parallels between the empirical approaches of Roger Bacon and the later Baconian method.

Variants and Related Words

• Friar Bacon: A historical and literary reference to Roger Bacon, often depicting him as a magician or wonder-worker in later folklore.
  • The 16th-century play "Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay" is based loosely on legends about Roger Bacon.

Synonyms

• The Admirable Doctor (): A historical epithet for Roger Bacon.
• Medieval scientist: A general term describing his period and occupation.

Related Phrases

• Experimental philosophy: A phrase describing the approach to natural science that Roger Bacon promoted.
  • Roger Bacon's work is a cornerstone of medieval experimental philosophy.

Noun

1. English scientist and Franciscan monk who stressed the importance of experimentation; first showed that air is required for combustion and first used lenses to correct vision (1220-1292)