Newton, Isaac

Analysis per quantitatum series, fluxiones, ac differentias: cum enumeratione linearum tertii ordinis [and other works, edited with a preface by William Jones]. London: ex officina Pearsoniana, 1711



4to (9 5/16 x 7 ¼ in.; 237 x 184 mm). Two double-page engraved tables, engraved text table on page 62, all engraved by John Senex, engraved vignettes and initials, woodcut text illustrations and typographical ornaments; title lightly browned with a few stains, occasional light marginal spotting on last few leaves, author's name written in upper margin of title. Contemporary blind-ruled calf, gold-stamped title label on spine, in a half-morocco drop-box; edges and joints rubbed, backstrip cracked.

Wallis 293; Babson 207; Grolier/Horblit 66b

4to (9 5/16 x 7 ¼ in.; 237 x 184 mm). Two double-page engraved tables, engraved text table on page 62, all engraved by John Senex, engraved vignettes and initials, woodcut text illustrations and typographical ornaments; title lightly browned with a few stains, occasional light marginal spotting on last few leaves, author's name written in upper margin of title. Contemporary blind-ruled calf, gold-stamped title label on spine, in a half-morocco drop-box; edges and joints rubbed, backstrip cracked.
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First edition of Newton's four papers on differential calculus, edited by William Jones (c. 1675–1749).

Jones acquired the mathematical papers of John Collins in 1708, and in them he found a Collins transcript of a Newton manuscript, 'De analysi' (1669). Using this and other transcripts, together with guidance from Newton and borrowed autographs, he published the present work, without the author's name on the title, but clearly announced in the preface. His preface is important in the history of the priority dispute with Leibniz because it shows epistolary evidence of Newton's originality going back to 1665, which evidence was more fully presented in the Commercium epistolicum (1712). Jones was admitted to the Royal Society as a result of this publication, and he was included on a committee to inspect the letters and papers relating to the dispute.

The book is handsomely designed, using a number of engraved vignettes; that on the title-page signed J. Nutting, demonstrates the apotheosis of Newton even before his death. This vignette shows the figures of Athena and Hermes at the sides, with the insignia of the trumpet of fame, the caduceus of Hermes, and at the center, the Sun with Newton's face shining upon the earth with his rays.