Newton, Isaac | The third edition of the Principia, the final published in the author’s lifetime

Newton, Isaac

Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica. London: Apud Guil. & Joh. Innys, 1726

4to (244 x 190 mm). Title printed in red and black, engraved frontispiece portrait by George Vertue after I. Vanderbank; frontispiece with light marginal spotting, instances of creasing and small tears to the upper margins of a few leaves, with some resulting restoration, including to closed tear on p. 145. Contemporary paneled calf, covers tooled in blind, spine with raised bands in seven compartments, second with morocco lettering piece, edges speckled red; some discoloration to pastedowns, rebacked retaining original spine, areas of expert restoration to edges.

The third and final edition of Newton’s Principia published in his lifetime, and the definitive text as revised by the author. Edited by Henry Pemberton, who would become Gresham Professor of Physic in 1728, this edition incorporates Newton’s last refinements and corrections, responding to criticism and clarifying key points of theory developed since the first edition of 1687. It remains the basis for all later editions.

First published in 1687, Principia is among the most consequential works in the history of science, setting forth the laws of motion and universal gravitation in a unified mathematical framework that transformed the understanding of both terrestrial and celestial mechanics. It provided not only a foundation for classical mechanics but a model for scientific reasoning that influenced philosophy, physics, and engineering for centuries.

REFERENCES:

Babson 13; Gray 9; Wallis 9; ESTC T98375; Printing and the Mind of Man 161 (first edition)

PROVENANCE:

Joliffe family (armorial bookplate)