December 6, 1607
Remembering Francis Bacon–
Francis Bacon–the late, great British philosopher reportedly had a sharp appetite for new sensations and curiosities. Unfortunately for him, his final experiment– on putrefaction, was lethal.
Seems that Bacon’s wife assigned him the task of procuring a chicken for dinner. Dutifully, he went to the market and bought one. But on the way home his fertile mind began to wander, and wonder: if the chicken were killed and frozen, how long would its flesh remain fresh and free from decay? So he dispatched the chicken and stuffed it with snow, but in removing his gloves to do the job more thoroughly, had himself become chilled and fell ill. Upon arriving home he immediately went to bed before dinner. Upon arising, he checked the chicken, noted that his experiment had gone exceedingly well and instructed his wife to prepare the bird for consumption. But suddenly fever consumed him and the phlegm choked himand Bacon died. It was a pity. Poor Bacon had preserved the chicken, but paid the ultimate price with his own life.
(We could hardly expect Mr. Bacon to retain a fondness for poultry after an experience like that, could we?) GG