Newton, Isaac
The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy
Estimate: £10,000 - £20,000
Auction: 18 June 2025 from 10:00 BST
Description
Translated into English by Andrew Motte. To which are added, The Laws of the Moon's Motion, according to Gravity. BY John Machin. London: for Benjamin Motte, 1729. 2 volumes, 8vo (19.2 x 11.6cm), contemporary calf, [36] 320, 393 [13] viii [3] 4-71 [1] pp., sigs. pi1 A2 ²A8 a8 B-X8, A-2D4 (-2D4, cancelled) a4 ²A-²D8 ²E4, engraved allegorical frontispiece to each volume, 47 engraved folding plates (numbered 1-25 and 1-19, with 3 unnumbered plates at rear of volume 2), 2 folding letterpress tables, 3 engraved headpieces. Bindings rebacked probably in the 19th century with endpapers renewed, worn overall, volume 1 rear board and volume 2 front board detached, intact joints cracked, occasional light spotting to margins, title-pages slightly spotted, volume 1 title-page with patch of browning in gutter and with faint crease across lower fore corner, small tear to head of D7, closed tear in I8, volume 2 title-page with a longitudinal strip of slight paper-thinning, one unnumbered plate at rear with creasing to fore margin and small nick to top margin [Babson 20; Wallis 23; cf. PMM 161]
Footnote
First edition in English of the Principia Mathematica, ‘the greatest work in the history of science’ (PMM). Originally published in Latin in 1687, the Principia ‘marked the culmination of the scientific revolution, […] ushered in modern science, and through its legacy the work may have done more to shape the modern world than any other ever published’ (ODNB). A complete copy with all text-leaves and plates.