Rare Book of the Month – February 2006
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Newton, Isaac, Sir, 1642-1727, Philosophiae naturalis principia mathematica, [Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy], Londini : Jussu Societatis Regiae ac Typis Josephi Streater, Anno 1687
The Principia is generally described as the greatest work in the history of science. Where other scientists published observations, Newton mathematically explained the underlying universal laws that created those phenomena. He demonstrated that the gravitational laws that accounted for the motion of objects on earth were the same as those that explained the motion of heavenly bodies. The Principia began an age of rationalism and scientific determinism, breaking from an understanding based on spiritual order.
The Principia is part of the Rare Book Collection at Haverford College and is available for review in the reading room of Special Collections.
Tags: Mathematics