Isaac Newton, adventurer in thought
In this elegant, absorbing biography of Isaac Newton (1642-1727), Rupert Hall surveys the vast field of modern scholarship in order to interpret Newton's mathematical and experimental approach to nature. Mathematics was always the deepest, most innovative and productive of Newton's interests. However, he was also a historian, theologian, chemist, civil servant, and natural philosopher. These diverse studies were unified in his single design as a Christian to explore every facet of God's creation. The story of Newton's life and discoveries has been greatly altered by exploration of his huge manuscript legacy during the last forty years, throwing new light upon his personality and intellect. Hall's discussion of this research shows that Newton cannot simply be explained as a Platonist, mystic, or magus. He remains a complex and enigmatic genius with an immensely imaginative and commonsensical mind
Biographies
1 online resource (xvi, 468 pages) : illustrations
9780511821967, 9780511622403, 9780521566698, 0511821964, 0511622406, 052156669X
708568702
General editor's preface; Preface; 1. The hopeful youth, 1642–1664; 2. 'The prime of my age for invention', 1664–1667; 3. Widening horizons, 1667–1669; 4. The professor of mathematics, 1669–1673; 5. Publication and polemic, 1672–1678; 6. Life in Cambridge, 1675–1685; 7. The chemical philosopher, 1669–1695; 8. The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy, 1679–1687; 9. Private and public life, 1685–1696; 10. Fluxions and fury, 1677–1712; 11. Opticks, or a Treatise of Light, 1687–1718; 12. Life in London, 1696–1718; 13. A man of authority and learning, 1692–1727; 14. Later books, 1706–1726; 15. Kensington, 1725–1727; Appendices; Notes; Bibliography; Index.
0-dx.doi.org.oasis.unisa.ac.za View full-text e-book at Cambridge. <BR> Access restricted to Unisa staff and students
0-dx-doi-org.oasis.unisa.ac.za View full-text e-book at Cambridge. <BR> Access restricted to Unisa staff and students