Hereditary Genius: An Enquiry into Its Laws and Consequences (2nd ed.), by Francis Galton, selected pages (14)

2031. 194 Men of Science simple addition of those of his mother to those of his father. It is doubtful whether or no he was very precocious, but Queen Elizabeth certainly took delight in his boyish wit, gravity, and judgment. F. Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal. He was the first Lord Keeper who ranked as a Lord Chancellor. He was a grave stately man, fond of science, gardening, and house-building. In all this, his son was just like him. Married twice. [italics]f.[end italics]Anne Cooke, a member of a most gifted family, and herself a scholar of no mean order. Eminent for piety, virtue, and learning. Exquisitely skilled in Latin and Greek. [4 [italic]u.[end italics]] The four sisters of his mother are all spoken of in terms of the highest praise. g. Sir Anthony Cooke is described by Camden as "vir antiqu[circumflex over 'a'] serenitate." Lloyd (State Worthies) says, "Contemplation was his soul, privacy his life, and discourse his element." Lord Seymour standing by when he chid his son, remarked, "Some men govern families with more skill than others do kingdoms," and thereupon recommended him to the government of his young nephew Edward VI. "Such the majesty of looks and gait, that awe governed, -- such the reason and sweetness, that love obliged all his family: a family equally afraid to displease so good a head, and to offend so great." He taught his daughters all the learning of the day. I greatly regret I have been unable to obtain any information about Sir Anthony's ancestry or collateral relations. [italic]u[end italics]S. Cecil, 1st E. of Salisbury, eminent minister under Elizabeth and James I. His father was the great Lord Burleigh. B. Anthony; had weak health, but a considerable share of the intellectual power which distinguished this remarkable family. B. (but by a different mother). Sir Nathaniel, Bart., a man of rare parts and generous disposition. He was a very good painter. Walpole considered him to have "really attained the perfection of a master." Peacham in his "Graphicae" says, "None in my opinion deserveth more respect and admiration for his skill and practice in painting, than Master Nathaniel Bacon of Brome, in [end]