Isaac Newton
Adventurer in Thought

Absorbing survey of the vast, modern scholarship on the complex, enigmatic, diverse genius of Newton.

A. Rupert Hall (Author), David Knight (Preface by)

9780521566698, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 11 April 1996

488 pages, 15 b/w illus. 1 table
22.8 x 15.2 x 3.1 cm, 0.68 kg

'… admirable and scholastic tome …'. Irish Astronomical Journal

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.

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.

Subject Areas: Biography: historical, political & military [BGH]