This Fable my Lord devised, to the end that He might exhibit therein, a Modell or Description of a College, instituted for the Interpreting of Nature, and the producing of Great and Marvellous Works, for the Benefit of Men; Vnder the Name of Salomons House, or the College of the Six Dayes Works. And even so farre his Lordship hath proceeded, as to finish that Part. Certainly the Modell is more Vast, and High, than can possibly be imitated in all things; Notwithstanding most Things therein are within Mens Power to effect. His Lordship thought also in this present Fable, to have composed a Frame of Lawes, or of the best State or Mould of a Common-Wealth; But foreseeing it would be a long Work, his Desire of Collecting the Natural History diverted him, which He preferred many degrees before it.
This Work of the New Atlantis (as much as concerneth the English Edition) his Lordship designed for this place; In regard it hath so near Affinity (in one part of it) with the preceding Natural History.
VV. Rawley.