The Foundations of Newton's Alchemy (Cambridge Paperback Library)

Dobbs, B. J.T.

ISBN 10: 0521273811 / ISBN 13: 9780521273817

Published by Cambridge University Press, 2009

About this Item

Seller Inventory # ABE-1738744144849

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Foundations of Newton's Alchemy (Cambridge Paperback Library)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521273811
• ISBN 13: 9780521273817
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

Sir Isaac Newton left at his death a large collection of papers on alchemy, mostly in his own handwriting; the importance of this legacy has been debated ever since. When it first appeared, Professor Dobb's detailed analysis of the foundations of Newton's alchemical pursuits further stimulated interest in the subject by firmly establishing the importance of alchemy in Newton's thought. This book sets the foundations of Newton's alchemy in their historical context in Restoration England. It is shown that alchemical modes of thought and particularly those of a Neoplatonic kind, were quite strong in many of those who provided the dynamism for the scientific revolution of the seventeenth century and that these modes of thought had important relationships with general movements for reform in the same period: reform of religion, philosophy, learning, society and of man himself. Newton's alchemy is thus seen as a critical link between Renaissance Hermeticism and the rational chemistry and mechanics of the eighteenth century.

Book Description

This book sets the foundations of Newton's alchemy in their historical context in Restoration England. It is shown that alchemical modes of thought were quite strong in many of those who provided the dynamism for the scientific revolution of the seventeenth century and that these modes of thought had important relationships with general movements for reform in the same period.