Mathematical Elements of Physicks, Prov'd by Experiments: Being An Introduction to Sir Isaac Newton's Philosophy. By Dr. William James Gravesande. Made English, and illustrated with 33 Copper-Plates. By Dr. John Keill. London: G. Strahan, 1720, 8vo.
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An exceptionally rare important early exposition of Newtonian philosophy in English, this 1720 London edition of Gravesande’s Mathematical Elements of Physicks is one of the most influential early works for disseminating the science of Isaac Newton to a broader European readership, here in its first English edition, printed the same year as the overall first in Latin.
Originally composed in Latin, the work was among the earliest systematic attempts to present Newtonian natural philosophy through demonstrable experiment rather than purely abstract reasoning. As a professor at Leiden and a direct correspondent of Newton himself, Gravesande occupies a central position in the transmission of Newtonian science to the Continent. His method, combining mathematical propositions with repeatable experiments, proved foundational in shaping 18th-century scientific pedagogy.
This English translation, prepared by Dr. John Keill (one of Newton’s most ardent defenders and a key figure in the priority dispute with Leibniz), is of particular significance. It brought Newtonian principles directly to an English speaking audience (as opposed to Latin and other vernaculars) in a clear, didactic, and experimentally grounded format, helping to cement Newton’s intellectual dominance in Britain and beyond.
The work, as mentioned on the title page, is illustrated with 33 engraved copper plates, depicting scientific apparatus, geometrical diagrams, and experimental setups. These plates are not merely decorative but integral to the text, reflecting the Enlightenment shift toward empirical verification and visual demonstration in natural philosophy. The present copy is complete with all 33 plates.
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Size: 120 x 194 mm (approx.)
Condition:
[[1], A8, a8, B-M8, N3, [A]-[L]8, [M]4,(1)]
Contemporary Cambridge panelled calf binding, lacking the front board. Leather raised at joint edge of rear board, but remains securely attached. Binding rubbed, shelf and edge wear, without identifying features to the spine, as bound. A little loss at the head of the title leaf, presumably to remove an old ownership inscription, but also affecting the next leaf, no text loss. Title page foxed, edge toned. Generally clean throughout the text block, mildly toned. Collates as complete through the main text and with all 33 plates present, but without the N4 blank which separates the two parts. Plate 25 torn at the fold but with both sides extant, plate 27 detached but present. Aside from the missing front board, a rather handsome copy of this exceedingly rare first English edition of this important work.
[ESTC T120694].
