1-152-883 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Roger Bacon, English experimental scientist, philosopher and Franciscan friar. Bacon (c1214-1292) was known as 'Doctor Mirabilis' due to his interest in magic and alchemy, the pursuit of which led ultimately to his being expelled from the Franciscan order. He experimented with optics and lenses, leading to the development of spectacles. Here Bacon, imprisoned in a monastery in Paris, sends the manuscript of his Opus Majus to Pope Clement IV, using a brother friar as a messenger.