An Explanation of the Newtonian Philosophy, in Lectures Read to the Youth of the University of Leyden

s'Gravesande, William-James. (Newton) And 17 fold-out plates

Published by London: Printed for W. Innys and R. Manby, 1741

About this Item

Dutch mathematician and natural philosopher William-James s'Gravesande (1688-1742), or Willem Jacob s'Gravesande, was a major influence in bringing Isaac Newton's ideas to the Netherlands and broader Continental Europe. Splendidly bound in original contemporary binding of full calf leather with rectangular gilded rules along the borders of the front and rear panels. Gilt horizontal rules along the spine with a handsome red moroccan lable stamped in gilt. The leather is supple and burnished to a delightful patina. Wear and some abrading to the top of the spine ends, exposing the headband. Signed several times by "Benjamin West"probably not the noted artist. Signed and dated 1761. Printed on high quality rag paper with numerous folding plates and charts throughtout. With some wrinkling to the corner of p. 110. With 17 folding engraved plates. The engravings illustrate the use of pulleys, levers, convex and concave lenses for spectacles; plate XIII rainbows and reflection of light; plus several plates on the solar system and eclipses.S'Gravesande (1688-1742) is credited with the invention of the first heliostat. He was a friend of Newton, and introduced Newtonian philosophy into Leyden. Willem Jacob 's Gravesande (26 September 1688 28 February 1742) was a Dutch mathematician and natural philosopher, chiefly remembered for developing experimental demonstrations of the laws of classical mechanics and the first experimental measurement of kinetic energy. As professor of mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy at Leiden University, he helped to propagate Isaac Newton's ideas in Continental Europe.Gravesande's main scientific work is Physices elementa mathematica, experimentis confirmata, sive introductio ad philosophiam Newtonianam.

Seller Inventory # 1996

Bibliographic Details

• Title: An Explanation of the Newtonian Philosophy, in Lectures Read to the Youth of the University of Leyden
• Publisher: London: Printed for W. Innys and R. Manby, 1741
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: s'Gravesande, William-James. An Explanation of the Newtonian Philosophy, in Lectures Read to the Youth of the University of Leyden. London: Printed for W. Innys and R. Manby, 1741. Seventeen fold-out tables throughout. Second edition. Octavo. [xvi]
• Edition: Second Edition, 1741.
• Condition: Very good.
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)