Books

First edition of Thorp's translation of The Principia into English "Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy, Vol.1 " (all published) 1777. An excellent and complete copy with 6pp Subscribers 22 folding engraved plates and half title. Bound in later quarter calf over marbled boards. Odd light spotting but generally very clean and fresh. 4to 30 x 24 cms "In many ways Robert Thorp's revision of Motte's translation, with lavish notes, is still one of the best texts to use for anyone who wishes to make a careful study of Newton's Principia" (Cohen, Introduction to Newton's Principia, Cambridge, 1971). Thorp's 1777 English translation intended to publish the entirety of the Principia but only volume one was ever published.

"The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy," commonly known as "Principia," is a monumental scientific work by Sir Isaac Newton, first published in 1687. This magnum opus encompasses Newton's groundbreaking theories on mechanics, motion, and gravity, fundamentally altering scientific paradigms. Newton formulated three laws of motion, elucidating the relationships between force, mass, and acceleration. These laws laid the foundation for classical mechanics, outlining how objects move under the influence of external forces. The first law states that an object remains at rest or moves at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force. The second law introduces the concept of force, asserting that force equals mass multiplied by acceleration (F = ma). The third law describes action and reaction, stating that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. However, Newton's most influential contribution was his law of universal gravitation. He proposed that every particle of matter attracts every other particle with a force proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers. This law explained not only the motion of celestial bodies but also the falling of objects on Earth, unifying celestial and terrestrial mechanics. Newton's Principia revolutionized scientific thought by providing a mathematical framework to describe and predict the motion of objects in the universe. It presented a systematic approach to understanding natural phenomena, marking a departure from earlier qualitative explanations. Newton's work profoundly influenced subsequent scientific inquiry, serving as a cornerstone for further developments in physics and astronomy. Moreover, Principia's impact extended beyond the scientific community, inspiring advancements in various fields. Its emphasis on empirical evidence and mathematical rigor became a model for scientific investigation, fostering a culture of systematic observation and experimentation. The legacy of "The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy" endures as one of the most influential scientific works in history, shaping the foundations of modern physics and serving as a testament to Newton's genius and contribution to humanity's understanding of the natural world.