The Seal of Lehigh University
Adopted at meeting of
the Board of Trustees
September 4, 1865.
Entry Minute Book 1 page 9.

     “The seal of the Lehigh University is of an oval form. In the upper part a Sun on which is inscribed the word Lux: below is an open Bible on which is written Veritas; on the Bible lies a heart bearing the inscription Amor; thus bringing in the Three Persons of the Godhead, the Ever Blessed Trinity; The God of Love, Christ as the Light of the World, and the Holy Spirit as the Inspiration of the Word and the Spirit of Truth. At the same time these emblems indicate the Love to God and man that will characterize this noble endowment; the Truth of Religion which the University will seek to diffuse and the Light of Science and Philosophy which will illuminate the mind with true and celestial wisdom. Around the upper margin of the Seal are the words of Lord Bacon, Homo Minister et interpres naturae. Around the lower corner margin, the words Lehigh University. Below the Bible, the words 'founded by Asa Packer, 1865'. The Seal is simple and expressive and it is hoped the University will ever send out its Love and its Light and its Truth, elevating, enlightening and purifying all who are brought within its influence.”

The Motto of Lehigh University
"Homo Minister et Interpres Naturae"

     The motto of Lehigh University, appearing on the University seal, is “Homo Minister et Interpres Naturae.” The accepted translation is “Man, the servant and interpreter of Nature.” This motto is taken from the first aphorism of Book 1 of the “Novum Organum” or “New Method” of Francis Bacon. The complete sentence in Latin, as given in Bacon's works, is as follows: “Homo, naturae minister et interpres, tantum facit intelligit quantum de naturae ordine re vel mente observaverit; nec amplius scit, aut potest.”

     The translation of the above usually given is that to be found in Spedding. It is as follows:

      “Man, being the servant and interpreter of Nature, can do and understand so much and so much only as he observed in fact or in thought of the course of Nature: beyond this he neither knows anything nor can do anything.”

     This aphorism has been translated by Fowler somewhat differently, as follows:

     “Man, the servant and interpreter of Nature, does and understands just so much as he has discerned concerning the order of nature by observation or reflection (or by the observation of things or of himself): nor does he know more, or can he do more.”

     The precise meaning is perhaps somewhat obscure. Certainly Bacon used the word “servant” differently from what we are accustomed to think of the word. Fowler explains it thus:

     “Man, if he would learn or do anything, must carefully watch the processes of Nature, must register and interpret phenomena. This is the only way either to knowledge or power.”

     It has been pointed out that Hippocrates, quoting from Galen, has frequently referred to the true physician as the servant of Nature and it is possible that Bacon got the idea from this source.

     There is a similar passage in the “Distributis Operis” which outlined Bacon's “Great Instauration.” The “Novum Organum” was the second part of this scheme and the “De Augmentis Scientiarum” published subsequently, was the first part. The other four parts are not so clearly identified.

     The passage in the “Plan of the Work” is as follows:

     “Neque enim agitur solurm foelicitas contemplativa sed vere res humanae et fortunae, atque omnis operum potentia. Homo enim naturae minister et interpres tantum facit et intelligit, quantum de naturae ordine, opere vel mente, observaverit: nec amplius scit, aut potest:”

and is translated:

     “For the matter in hand is no mere felicity of speculation, but the real business and fortunes of the human race and all power of operation. For man is but the servant and interpreter of nature: what he has observed of nature's order in fact or in thought; beyond this he knows nothing and can do nothing.”

      The word “minister” is given in the dictionary as both noun and adjective. As an adjective it means “subordinate” and that as a noun it may be possible to use the meaning “subordinate” or “subject” as well. It is difficult to ascertain just what meaning Bacon had in mind when he used this word. It is, of course, possible that he had rather the notion of the cooperator or helper than servant.