Francis Bacon (1561-1626) English philosopher, scientist, and statesman who pioneered the scientific method. Rose to become Lord Chancellor under King James I but fell from power in 1621 over bribery charges.

Best known for developing empiricism - the idea that knowledge comes from observation and experimentation rather than abstract reasoning. His "Novum Organum" (1620) challenged Aristotelian logic and laid groundwork for modern science. Coined the phrase "knowledge is power."

Also wrote influential essays and identified four "idols" (biases) that distort human thinking. Died of pneumonia contracted while experimenting with using snow to preserve meat - a fitting end for someone dedicated to experimental science.

His systematic approach to investigation through careful observation helped launch the Scientific Revolution.