Isaac Newton's "Principia", the Most Important Book in the History of Science

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Isaac Newton's "Principia", the Most Important Book in the History of Science

$32,000List Price

About the Item

Newton, ISAAC. Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica Rare 1726 third edition of newton's principia, the last edition edited by newton and the basis for all subsequent editions. One of only 1250 copies printed. "The Principia is generally described as the greatest work in the history of science. Copernicus, Galileo and Kepler had certainly shown the way; but where they described the phenomena they observed, Newton explained the underlying universal laws. The Principia provided the great synthesis of the cosmos, proving finally its physical unity. Newton showed that the important and dramatic aspects of nature that were subject to the universal law of gravitation could be explained, in mathematical terms, within a single physical theory. With him the separation of natural and supernatural, of sublunar and superlunar worlds disappeared. The same laws of gravitation and motion rule everywhere; for the first time a single mathematical law could explain the motion of objects on earth as well as the phenomena of the heavens. The whole cosmos is composed of inter-connecting parts influencing each other according to these laws. It was this grand conception that produced a general revolution in human thought, equalled perhaps only by that following Darwin's Origin of Species. It was the final, irrevocable break with a medieval conception based on Greek and Roman cosmology and a scholastic system derived from the medieval interpretation of Aristotle... Newton's universe, almost independent of the spiritual order, ushered in the age of rationalism, scientific determinism and the acceptance of a mechanistic view of nature" (Printing and the Mind of Man 161). On the history and importance of the third edition: Towards the end of his life, Newton "gave one last effort to the Principia. It is clear that he regarded the Principia rather than the Opticks as his masterwork... He worked over the Principia without end to hone its language to a perfect expression of his ideas. Perhaps the appearance of a reprint of the second edition in Amsterdam in 1723 stimulated Newton to put his plan for a new edition into action. Perhaps a serious illness in 1722 reminded him that he could not delay forever. We know only that printing of an edition more sumptuous than either of the others began in the fall of 1723. As editor, Newton had the services of a young member of the Royal Society, Henry Pemberton... In the fall of 1723, Pemberton addressed to him the first of thirty-one communications which stretched over the following two-and-a-half years while the edition passed through the press... Through 1724 and 1725 the edition made its slow but steady progress toward completion with none of the delays that stopped the press during the second edition. Newton dated the preface 12 January 1726. It was the last day of March when Martin Folkes presented a copy 'richly Bound in morocco Leather' to the Royal Society in Newton's name. In all, 1,250 copies were printed..." (Westfall, The Life of Isaac Newton). The third edition "contains a new preface by Newton and a large number of alterations" (Babson 13). With portrait engraving by Vertue (bound before first text leaf) and numerous illustrations in text. Complete with the privilege leaf, half-title, dedication leaf, index, and ad leaf. London: Guil. & Joh. Innys, Regiae Societatis typographos, 1726. Quarto (186x241 mm), contemporary full Dutch vellum; custom half-leather box. Unidentified early signatures on front pastedown, half-title, and ad leaf verso. Mild scuffing to binding, boards a little bowed. Text with occasional light soiling and scattered foxing but generally clean. A beautiful copy. Scarce in an unrestored contemporary binding.

Creator:
Isaac Newton (Author)
Dimensions:
Height: 11 in (27.94 cm)Width: 3 in (7.62 cm)Depth: 9 in (22.86 cm)
Style:
Neoclassical (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Animal Skin
Place of Origin:
United Kingdom
Period:
1720-1729
Date of Manufacture:
1726
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Mild scuffing to binding, boards a little bowed. Text with occasional light soiling and scattered foxing but generally clean. A beautiful copy. SCARCE IN AN UNRESTORED CONTEMPORARY BINDING.
Seller Location:
New York, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU905715683821

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The Blue Planet A Natural History of the Oceans. From space Planet Earth is blue. It floats like a jewel in the inky black void. The reflection of the suns light from the vast expanse of water covering its surface creates its gem-like blue colour. In the entire solar system Earth is the only planet that has water in its liquid form in such quantities. Scientists have calculated that 70% of our planet is covered by water; small wonder then that humans have always been so fascinated by the oceans and what lies beneath. Today while we still have so much more of the ocean realm to uncover we have discovered enough to know that beneath the waves lies a vast treasure-trove of rich and diverse life. The Blue Planet leads us on a voyage of exploration from the coasts, the very edges of the oceans. Authors: Alastair Fothergill, DK Publishing, Dk, Martha Holmes, Andrew Byatt, David Attenborough...

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