Skip to content

Take an arrow, and hold it in flame for the space of ten…

“Take an arrow, and hold it in flame for the space of ten pulses, and when it cometh forth you shall find those parts of the arrow which were on the outsides of the flame more burned, blacked, and turned almost to coal, whereas the midst of the flame will be as if the fire had scarce touched it…” quote by Francis Bacon
Download Open image
“Take an arrow, and hold it in flame for the space of ten pulses, and when it cometh forth you shall find those parts of the arrow which were on the outsides of the flame more burned, blacked, and turned almost to coal, whereas the midst of the flame will be as if the fire had scarce touched it. This is an instance of great consequence for the discovery of the nature of flame; and sheweth manifestly, that flame burneth more violently towards the sides than in the midst.”

Francis Bacon

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Flame burns the outer parts of an object more intensely than the center, illustrating uneven exposure to heat.

In simple terms: Flame burns edges more than middle.

Key Takeaway

Consider heat distribution in design.

Themes

science observation physics

Mood

inquisitive analytical

Type

philosophical scientific

When to use this quote

  • metalworking
  • cooking techniques
  • fire safety training

Key Concepts

Heat transfer material properties

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does shape affect burn patterns?
  • Can this principle improve fire protection?
A Different Perspective

Assumes uniform material composition.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Francis Bacon

Explore all 711 Francis Bacon quotes

More Air quotes

Browse all 6,278 Air quotes