Newton, Isaac, Sir | A Letter … Containing His New Theory about Light and Colours, London, 1671, first printing of Newton's first scientific publication

Newton, Isaac, Sir

A Letter … Containing His New Theory about Light and Colours. London: for John Matryn, 1671

First printing of Newton's first scientific publication, comprising pages 3075–3087 in Philosophical Transactions, volume 6, no. 80 (19 Feb. 1671/2), complete.

This paper served as a prelude to his brilliant later work in optics.

4to (229 x 165 mm). Two diagrams in text, index for Philosophical Transactions volume 6 bound in at end; light browning, some staining along gutter in first quire. Modern half calf.

REFERENCES

Babson/Macomber 165; Dibner, Heralds 144; Gray 231, no. 1; Grolier/Horblit 79a; Sarton, in Isis xiv (1930): 326–41; Wallis 231(1)

PROVENANCE

Robert S. Dunham (acquired from Henry Schuman, New York, on 14 November 1962, pencil acquisition note to front pastedown and copy of Schuman catalogue note loosely inserted; Sotheby's New York, 11 December 1993, lot 729)