This study is concerned with the movement for the reform of science and medicine and with wider schemes for social reconstruction during the Puritan Revolution. It underlines the importance of the apocalyptic and millenarian traditions. The book describes in detail the advancement of new philosophies, also plans to reform education, health care and the economy. In this first reissue of an influential book originally published in 1975, the author provides an entirely new introduction containing a review of the large body of recent research relating to this topical and important subject. Contents: The apocalyptic and millenarianism in European Protestantism - Social reform during the British Puritan Revolution - Baconianism and the new philosophies - The Hartlib circle as a national and international reform movement.