Memoirs of the life, writings, and discoveries of Sir Isaac Newton

Edinburgh: Thomas Constable and Co, 1855. FIRST EDITION. Frontispiece in each volume plus 8 additional text woodcuts and engravings; without the half-titles. Publisher’s cloth; foxing to both frontispieces, otherwise a very good partially unopened copy with the small bookplate in each volume of the Order of the Garter. First edition, a greatly expanded version of The life of Newton, first published in 1831 as part of the Family Library series. Considered the best biography of Newton by most historians, the work was reissued several times. Brewster covers Newton’s scientific researches and discoveries, as well as his publications such as the Principia Mathematica and Optics. He includes excerpts from correspondence with such luminaries as William Briggs, Roger Cotes and Edmond Halley. Of interest are the illustrations of Newton’s reflecting telescope and Lord Rosse’s telescope. Volume 2 contains a more personal discussion of Newton’s life and health and includes a treatment of Newton's interests in alchemy. Additional excerpts from correspondence between Newton and Flamsteed, Brook Taylor, Wallis, John Locke and others are included in the appendix to Volume 2.

Wallis, 370.04; not in Babson.