Astronomiae Physicae & Geometricae Elementa
By GREGORY, David
First edition, a large and fresh copy, of the first textbook of astronomy based on Newtonian principles, which contains the first printings of Newton's lunar theory and his "classical scholia". "The nephew of James Gregory, the mathematician, and the son of the Laird of Kinnairdie, David Gregory (1659-1708) was educated at the University of Edinburgh where he was soon appointed to the chair of Mathematics in 1683. In 1684 he saw Newton's manuscript showing the application of the method of infinite series to a variety of geometrical problems. The two met in 1691 and shortly afterwards Newton helped him obtain the Savilian Chair of Astronomy at Oxford. In 1702 Gregory published 'Astronomiae Physicae & Geometricae' as the first textbook of astronomy based on Newtonian principles. The introduction includes the "Classical Scholia" which Newton had prepared for insertion in his planned second edition of the 'Principia'. This attempted to show that essential elements of Newtonian science were also espoused in classical times. Gregory also included Newton's 'Theory of the Moon's Motion' ['Lunae Theoria Newtoniana', pp. 332-336], long used as a guide for practical astronomers in determining the moon's motion" (Gjertsen, Newton Handbook). Babson 71; Gray 87; Houzeau & Lancaster 9240; Sotheran I: 1652; Wallis 87. Folio (369 x 245 mm), pp. [xii], 494, [2]. Contemporary Cambridge panelled calf (expertly re-backed, preserving the original gilt leather label). A very nice copy, internally clean and fine throughout. Armorial book-plate to front paste-down of the Earl of Breadalbane.
Published by: Oxford: Sheldonian Theatre, 1792
Vendor: Landmarks of Science Books
By GREGORY, David
First edition, a large and fresh copy, of the first textbook of astronomy based on Newtonian principles, which contains the first printings of Newton's lunar theory and his "classical scholia". "The nephew of James Gregory, the mathematician, and the son of the Laird of Kinnairdie, David Gregory (1659-1708) was educated at the University of Edinburgh where he was soon appointed to the chair of Mathematics in 1683. In 1684 he saw Newton's manuscript showing the application of the method of infinite series to a variety of geometrical problems. The two met in 1691 and shortly afterwards Newton helped him obtain the Savilian Chair of Astronomy at Oxford. In 1702 Gregory published 'Astronomiae Physicae & Geometricae' as the first textbook of astronomy based on Newtonian principles. The introduction includes the "Classical Scholia" which Newton had prepared for insertion in his planned second edition of the 'Principia'. This attempted to show that essential elements of Newtonian science were also espoused in classical times. Gregory also included Newton's 'Theory of the Moon's Motion' ['Lunae Theoria Newtoniana', pp. 332-336], long used as a guide for practical astronomers in determining the moon's motion" (Gjertsen, Newton Handbook). Babson 71; Gray 87; Houzeau & Lancaster 9240; Sotheran I: 1652; Wallis 87. Folio (369 x 245 mm), pp. [xii], 494, [2]. Contemporary Cambridge panelled calf (expertly re-backed, preserving the original gilt leather label). A very nice copy, internally clean and fine throughout. Armorial book-plate to front paste-down of the Earl of Breadalbane.
Published by: Oxford: Sheldonian Theatre, 1792
Vendor: Landmarks of Science Books
