Books

(9 5/8 x 7 1/2 inches). [x]6, a-c4, B-Z4, Aa-Zz4, Aaa-Yyy4. [xxxvi], 530, [8] pp. Engraved frontispiece portrait by George Vertue after I. Vanderbank. Title printed in red and black. Contemporary panelled calf, cover tooled in blind, spine with raised bands forming seven compartments. Second compartment with morocco lettering piece. The third edition of Isaac Newton's Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica, published in 1726, refines and solidifies his revolutionary laws of motion and universal gravitation, providing a comprehensive framework for classical mechanics that has profoundly influenced science and philosophy. In a fine contemporary panelled calf binding. The present work, often referred to simply as the Principia, is one of the most important works in the history of science. First published in 1687, with the third and final edition released in 1726, the Principia laid the groundwork for classical mechanics and introduced the world to the laws of motion and universal gravitation. Before Newton, the understanding of the physical universe was fragmented and often speculative. Newton's Principia provided a unified framework that explained the motions of celestial bodies and terrestrial objects with unprecedented precision. By formulating his three laws of motion, Newton explained how and why objects move. These laws not only described the motion of planets and projectiles but also laid the foundation for later developments in physics and engineering. Newton's Principia has drawn immense attention from philosophers across centuries. By the 19th century, the Principia was celebrated as a model of scientific success, influencing how scientists approached research in various fields. In the 20th century, Newton's work was reexamined in light of Einstein's theory of general relativity, prompting discussions about the evolution and limits of scientific knowledge. This third edition of the Principia, published in 1726, contains a Preface penned by Newton and was the final version published in the author's lifetime. It was edited by Henry Pemberton, a physician and man of letters who became the Gresham Professor of Physic in 1728. It includes refinements and corrections from the first and second editions, reflecting Newton's responses to criticisms and his further reflections on the subjects he had explored. The third edition served as a basis for all subsequent editions and solidified the Principia's status as a scientific masterpiece. Babson 13; Gray 9; Wallis 9; ESTC T98375; Printing and the mind of man 161 (first edition).

"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.