Details
NEWTON, Isaac (1642-1727). Opticks: or, a treatise of the reflexions, refractions inflexions and colours of light. London: S. Smith and B. Walford, 1704.
4° (245 x 190mm). Title printed in red and black, 19 folding engraved plates. (2 plates and a few leaves very lightly stained at upper margin, title and some margins slightly spotted.) Contemporary calf (rebacked, corners neatly restored).
FIRST EDITION of Newton's seminal work on Opticks, including two important mathematical treatises on curvilinear figures. In his introduction to the Tractatus, Newton states he invented the method of calculus in 1665-6, thus claiming his priority over Leibnitz. He goes on to expound his corpuscular or emission theory of light, as well as explanations of optical phenomena such as the rainbow, 'Newton Rings', and the double refraction of icelandic spar. Babson 132; Dibner Heralds of Science 148; Grolier/Horblit 79b; PMM 172.
4° (245 x 190mm). Title printed in red and black, 19 folding engraved plates. (2 plates and a few leaves very lightly stained at upper margin, title and some margins slightly spotted.) Contemporary calf (rebacked, corners neatly restored).
FIRST EDITION of Newton's seminal work on Opticks, including two important mathematical treatises on curvilinear figures. In his introduction to the Tractatus, Newton states he invented the method of calculus in 1665-6, thus claiming his priority over Leibnitz. He goes on to expound his corpuscular or emission theory of light, as well as explanations of optical phenomena such as the rainbow, 'Newton Rings', and the double refraction of icelandic spar. Babson 132; Dibner Heralds of Science 148; Grolier/Horblit 79b; PMM 172.