Gregory, David | Two works

Gregory, David

Two works, comprising:

Astronomiae physicae & geometricae elementa. Oxford: at the Sheldonian, 1702. First edition, folio (345 x 222 mm), title-page with engraved device, in-text woodcut diagrams. Contemporary paneled calf, worn.

Gregory’s principal work and an important early vehicle for the dissemination of Newtonian celestial mechanics, applying the laws of motion and gravitation to the structure and motions of the heavens. The first two distinctly Newtonian textbooks both appeared in 1702, the other being John Keill’s Introductio ad veram physicam. “Gregory did for the heavens what Keill did for the terrestrial world: he rendered Newtonian celestial mechanics teachable” (Mordechai Feingold, The Newtonian Moment (2005), p. 43).

“The first textbook composed on gravitational principles, and remodelling astronomy in conformity with physical theory. Newton thought highly of it…,” DNB)

PROVENANCE

Biblioteca Riccardi (label). – Robert S. Dunham (note of 1946 acquisition from Heller), sold Sotheby’s New York, 11 December 1993, lot 693

Dr. Gregory's elements of catoptrics and dioptrics. London: E. Curll, 1735. Second edition, 8vo (207 x 130 mm), 4 folding plates, errata leaf at end. Contemporary paneled calf, rebacked preserving original spine panel, worn.

A concise English rendering of Gregory’s optical lectures, treating the geometry of reflection and refraction in spherical mirrors and lenses.

REFERENCES

ESTC T18607; Babson 71; Houzeau & Lancaster 9240; Wallis 87. ESTC T18656.

PROVENANCE

James Harrister (1899 Edinburgh inscription on flyleaf)—Robert S. Dunham (acquired from Davis and Orioli in 1947; sold Sotheby’s New York, 11 December 1993, lot 693)