The Optical Papers of Isaac Newton: Volume 1, The Optical Lectures 1670-1672

by Alan E. Shapiro

Overview

The first volume of a three-volume complete edition of Newton's optical papers contains his Optical Lectures, delivered at Cambridge University between 1670 and 1672. The Lectures is Newton's first major scientific treatise, and consequently it represents a crucial link between his early years of discovery and his mature investigations and publications, such as the Optiks in 1704. It is divided into two parts: the first part devoted to color and the second to refraction. Originally published in 1984, this edition made available the complete text, together with translation and commentary, of both surviving versions of the Lectures, a draft and a vastly expanded revision. Until the time of publication, scholars had to depend on an uncritical text of the revision and an inadequate partial English translation, both published shortly after Newton's death. Professor Shapiro's critical edition has made a great contribution to the study of Newtonian science.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521155090
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	10/27/2011
Series:	Optical Papers of Isaac Newton , #1
Edition description:	Reissue
Pages:	648
Product dimensions:	1.30(w) x 10.00(h) x 7.01(d)

Table of Contents

List of plates; Preface; Editorial note; Abbreviated references; Introduction; Synopsis of the Lectiones opticae and Optica and their major differences; Concordance of article numbers; Lectiones opitcae: Optica: Part I. The Refractions of Light Rays: 1. The refrangibility of rays differs; 2. The measure of refractions; 3. The refractions of planes; 4. The refractions of curved surfaces; Part II. The Origin of Colors: 5. The doctrine of colors is set forth and proved by prismatic experiments; 6. Various phenomena of colors; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

'Shapiro’s magnificent edition will remain a precious tool for anyone working on Newton’s thought and times.' Niccolo Guicciardini, Metascience

‘I warmly congratulate Professor Shapiro on his splendid achievement, over many years, in finally laying before us the contents of Newton’s Optical Papers.’ Allan Chapman, The Observatory

‘Shapiro’s reliable chronology is precious to all those interested in other aspects of Newton’s diverse intellectual output. … Volume 1 offers many insights into the purpose of Newton’s lectures, … As Shapiro perceptively notes, the deposited lectures (CUL MS Dd.9.67) were ‘polished revisions intended for the public’ (I, 17). … Shapiro offers us a historical contextualization of these texts, which remain difficult to interpret.’ Niccolò Guicciardini, Metascience

From the Publisher