Newton, Isaac, Sir | The Method of Fluxions and Infinite Series …, London, 1736, first edition

Newton, Isaac, Sir

The Method of Fluxions and Infinite Series; with its Application to the Geometry of Curved Lines. … Translated from the Author's Latin Original … by John Colson. London: Printed by Henry Woodfall; and Sold by John Nourse, 1736

First edition, ordinary-paper issue.

Shortly before his death, Newton prepared this treatise of fluxions, a method of determining the magnitudes of finite quantities by the velocities of their generating motions. The Latin manuscript of the work was entrusted to Dr. Henry Pemberton, who never published it; it ultimately first appeared in this translation by John Colson. The original Latin text remained unpublished until 1779.

4to (244 x 193 mm). Engraved frontispiece, numerous diagrams, errata/advertisement leaf at end, contents leaf numbered 143–144, divisional half-title following p. 140; slight marginal worming, occasionally affecting a catchword, a few minor nicks and tears. Contemporary sprinkled calf gilt, red-sprinkled edges; rebacked, extremities rubbed.

REFERENCES

Babson/Macomber 171; Gray 232; Honeyman sale 6:2327; Wallis 232; ESTC T18629

PROVENANCE

Robert S. Dunham (acquired from Dawson in May 1957, pencil acquisition note to front pastedown; Sotheby's New York, 11 December 1993, lot 736)