Full Idea
Knowledges are as pyramides, whereof history is the basis. So of natural philosophy, the basis is natural history, the stage next the basis is physic; the stage next the vertical point is metaphysic.
Gist of Idea
Natural history supports physical knowledge, which supports metaphysical knowledge
Source
Francis Bacon (The Advancement of Learning [1605], II.VII.6)
Book Reference
Bacon,Francis: 'Advancement of Learning/New Atlantis' [OUP 1966], p.112
A Reaction
The father of modern science keeps a place for metaphysics, as the most abstract level above the physical sciences. I would say he is right. It leads to my own slogan: science is the servant of philosophy.