Lot 366
Newton, Sir Isaac
Books, Maps, Manuscripts & Photographs
Auction: 26 May 2010 at 12:00 BST
Description
Philosophiae naturalis principia mathematica. London: William & John Innys, 1726. "Third" edition, 4to, lacking portrait, title in red and black, with half-title following title, Halley’s verses, engraved illustration of cometary orbit on p.506, woodcut diagrams throughout, two pages of publisher's adverts at rear, contemporary calf, neatly rebacked and repaired at corners, previous ink inscriptions to head of title and on front fixed endpaper, bookplate, some light foxing to title
Footnote
Note: Babson 13
“This edition was the last published during the author’s lifetime and the basis of all subsequent editions. It was edited by Henry Pemberton, M.D., F.R.S., and contains a new preface by Newton and a large number of alterations, the most important being the scholium on fluxions, in which Leibnitz had been mentioned by name. This had been considered an acknowledgement of Leibnitz’s independent discovery of calculus. In omitting Leibnitz’s name in this edition, Newton was criticised as taking advantage of an opponent whose death had prevented any reply. Halley’s verses were restored to their original form.” Babson