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Details
NEWTON, Sir Isaac (1642-1727). Optical Lectures read in the publick schools of the University of Cambridge, anno Domini, 1669. London: for Francis Fayram, 1728.
8o (194 x 118 mm). 13 folding engraved plates. Contemporary sprinkled calf gilt; cloth folding case (oversize).
FIRST EDITION of Newton's lectures on optics that he gave on the assumption of the Lucasian chair in 1669, at the age of twenty-six. These exist as two complete, but very different, treatises, one deposited in the University Library most likely in the hand of his roommate John Wickins, and the other in Newton's hand which remained in his possession. They differ notably in their textural content, and their respective division of lectures and the alleged dates they were delivered. A Latin and an English version, both based on the deposited manuscript although differing in textual detail and completeness, were published after Newton's death. This English version was published a year before the Latin version (see lot ***), and does not include a translation of the second part of Newton's Latin text since, according to the preface, it was "left imperfect" and "has since been published in the Opticks by Sir Isaac himself with great Improvements." The first part, composed of four sections, is published here for the first time. A VERY FINE COPY. Babson/Newton 154; Wallis 190; Norman 1592.
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FIRST EDITION of Newton's lectures on optics that he gave on the assumption of the Lucasian chair in 1669, at the age of twenty-six. These exist as two complete, but very different, treatises, one deposited in the University Library most likely in the hand of his roommate John Wickins, and the other in Newton's hand which remained in his possession. They differ notably in their textural content, and their respective division of lectures and the alleged dates they were delivered. A Latin and an English version, both based on the deposited manuscript although differing in textual detail and completeness, were published after Newton's death. This English version was published a year before the Latin version (see lot ***), and does not include a translation of the second part of Newton's Latin text since, according to the preface, it was "left imperfect" and "has since been published in the Opticks by Sir Isaac himself with great Improvements." The first part, composed of four sections, is published here for the first time. A VERY FINE COPY. Babson/Newton 154; Wallis 190; Norman 1592.