In what century did Francis Bacon contribute to the scientific method?

Francis Bacon made significant contributions to the development of the scientific method in the 17th century. He is often credited with formalizing a systematic approach to inquiry that emphasized empirical evidence and experimentation. His major works, such as "Novum Organum," published in 1620, outlined his ideas on inductive reasoning and the importance of observation and experimentation over reliance on established authorities or purely deductive reasoning. This work laid the foundation for modern scientific practices and established Bacon as a pivotal figure in the transition from medieval to modern scientific thought. Thus, identifying the 17th century as the period of his contributions accurately reflects Bacon's influence on the evolution of scientific methodology.