Francis Bacon was among the greatest contributors to the continuation of inner wisdom. He is considered by many to be the father of modern science because of his advocacy of empiricism, or experimental confirmation.

A famous Rosicrucian, he is considered by many to be the secret author of the works of William Shakespeare, and many indicators suggest this possibility. It is an idea worth considering, since the works attributed to Shakespeare contain cryptograms that suggest Bacon was the author.

The original engraving of this portrait is retained at the Sovereign Headquarters of the Rosicrucian Order. When it is superimposed over a portrait of William Shakespeare, surprising coincidental similarities are observed, encouraging speculation on the validity of the theory that he was the true author of the works of Shakespeare.