Towards the end of his life he began to embody his thoughts and plans in a philosophical tale, which he did not finish--the _New Atlantis_--a charming example of his graceful fancy and of his power of easy and natural story-telling.
Between the _Advancement_ and the _Novum Organum_ (1605-20) much underground work had been done.

"He had finally (about 1607) settled the plan of the _Great Instauration_, and began to call it by that name." The plan, first in three or four divisions, had been finally digested into six.

Vague outlines had become definite and clear.

Distinct portions had been worked out.

Various modes of treatment had been tried, abandoned, modified.