The Strange and True Odyssey of Isaac Newton Manuscripts

The Newton Papers: The Strange and True Odyssey of Isaac Newton's Manuscripts

by Sarah Dry

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4975 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	257 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Isaac Newton is one of the most important and influential scientists of all time. His work on physics, mathematics, and astronomy revolutionized our understanding of the universe. Newton's manuscripts are a valuable source of information about his life and work, and they have been the subject of much study and debate.

The story of Newton's manuscripts is a remarkable one, filled with intrigue, controversy, and adventure. From their humble beginnings in the 17th century to their eventual sale at auction in the 1930s, these manuscripts have had a long and eventful journey.

The Early Years

Isaac Newton was born in 1643 in the small village of Woolsthorpe, England. He showed an early interest in science and mathematics, and he began working on his own theories even as a young man. In 1661, Newton entered Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied mathematics and natural philosophy.

During his time at Cambridge, Newton wrote a number of important manuscripts, including his "Principia Mathematica," which is considered to be one of the most important works in the history of science. Newton's manuscripts were often filled with his own unique insights and discoveries, and they provide a valuable glimpse into his thought process.

The Aftermath of Newton's Death

Newton died in 1727, and his manuscripts were left to his niece, Catherine Conduitt. Conduitt was a devout Christian, and she was concerned about the heretical ideas that Newton had expressed in his writings. She decided to destroy many of his manuscripts, including his "Principia Mathematica."

Fortunately, not all of Newton's manuscripts were destroyed. Some of them were saved by his friends and colleagues, and they eventually found their way into the hands of various libraries and museums.

The Sale of the Newton Manuscripts

In the 1930s, Sotheby's auction house was hired to sell a collection of Newton's manuscripts. The sale was a major event, and it attracted bidders from all over the world. The manuscripts sold for a total of £7,000, which was a record price at the time.

The sale of the Newton manuscripts was a controversial event. Some people argued that the manuscripts should have been kept in England, while others believed that they should be sold to the highest bidder. Ultimately, the manuscripts were sold to a group of American collectors, and they are now housed in the National Library of Israel.

The Legacy of the Newton Manuscripts

The Newton manuscripts are a valuable source of information about the life and work of one of the most important scientists of all time. These manuscripts have helped us to understand Newton's thought process and to appreciate his genius.

The story of the Newton manuscripts is a remarkable one, and it is a testament to the enduring power of science and the human spirit.

The Newton Papers: The Strange and True Odyssey of Isaac Newton's Manuscripts

by Sarah Dry

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4975 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	257 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE