Books

4to. ([Title], [xxviii], 1-484, [viii]) 195mm x 240mm. The second printing of the second edition of Principia, produced in Amsterdam. Although referred to as the second printing, in fact the entire text was reset and the woodblocks re-engraved for this printing. A few minor corrections were also made in the process. This copy is in contemporary calf which is very rubbed and bumped and the boards show through at the edges here and there. A small gouged area on the front board also. The title page, printed in red and black has some grubby marks in places and a previous owner's name neatly in ink. There is a very small loss to the top of the second leaf. This copy has two copies of the fold-out plate of a cometary orbit, both facing page 465 one of which has a small hole where it joins the binding. Size: Quarto. Category: Science & Technology; Mathematics.

"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.