On reading Isaac Newton's Principia in the 18th century

When Newton's Principia first appeared, only the most advanced mathematicians were able to fathom its depths. This, with the discoveries in physics it contained, led to the work acquiring a reputation as an impenetrable treatise presenting almost divine revelations about nature. Yet while Newto...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Endeavour (New series) 1998-01, Vol.22 (4), p.159-163
Main Author: Snobelen, Stephen D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
17th century
History
History of science and technology
Mathematical sciences and techniques
Mathematics
Newton, Isaac (1642-1727)
Physical sciences and techniques
Physics
Reading
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Summary:When Newton's Principia first appeared, only the most advanced mathematicians were able to fathom its depths. This, with the discoveries in physics it contained, led to the work acquiring a reputation as an impenetrable treatise presenting almost divine revelations about nature. Yet while Newton strove to restrict access to its meaning, a growing number of popularizers began to craft ways of rendering the Principia ‘easy’ for the less mathematically astute. These entrepreneurs of natural philosophy made Newton public through an enormous industry of popular textbooks, engravings and experimental lecture courses. In so doing, they were not only largely responsible for the reception of Newton's natural philosophy, but also transformed its very nature.
ISSN:0160-9327
1873-1929
DOI:10.1016/S0160-9327(98)01148-X