Barrow, Isaac | Lectiones opticae & geometricae, London, 1674, contemporary calf

[Newtoniana] — Isaac Barrow

Lectiones opticae & geometricae. London: Typis Guileilmi Godbid & prostant venales apud Robertum Scott, 1674

Early edition of Barrow’s work edited and revised by Isaac Newton.

First published as separate works in 1669 and 1670, Barrow’s series of lectures on geometry and optics grounded itself upon the works of Kepler, Descartes and Hobbes. Though established as Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge by this time, it would be for Cambridge student and editor of the present work, one Isaac Newton, that Barrow would resign his professorship in favor of. 

Two parts in 1 volume, 4to (196 x 158 mm). 27 engraved plates of 28 called for, 15 with diagrams, 12 folding; one folding plate with repair, leaves variously browned, foxing and dampstaining throughout. Contemporary calf, spine in six compartments, second gilt-lettered, others with repeat gilt design, edges speckled red and blue; upper board nearly detached, worn, upper edge dust-soiled.

REFERENCES

Wing B945; Babson 249; ESTC R3609; USTC 3091297; DSB 1, 473-5; DSB X, 44

PROVENANCE

S. S. Dunham (acquired from Davis & Orioli; inscription to from pastedown) — Robert S. Dunham (Sotheby's New York, 11 December 1993, lot 738)