Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica. Edito Ultima Auctior et Emendatior: Newton's magnum opus

Second edition, title in red and black, engraved device to title, 1 double page copper plate, numerous text illustrations, [4], b-c4, d2, A-3P4, 3Q2, [1], dedication to King Charles II, old ownership notes to pastedown, lacking front free endpapers, contemporary calf, strapwork with blindstamped floral decorative border, blind stamped monogrammed device "IHS", 4to, Amsterdam, Sumptibus Societatis, 1714

"Following Galileo's pioneering investigations of motion and its mathematical analysis, and the important contributions of Descartes and Huygens, the seventeenth century scientific revolution culminated in Newton's massive achievements in gravitational dynamics and astronomy" (PMM).

The Principia Mathematica is Newton's magnum opus, where he collects his discoveries in mechanics and mathematical calculus and where he exposes his theory of motion and gravitation. This work marked a turning point in the history of science and is considered, by many, as the most important scientific work in history. It is the first to feature Newton's famous additions concerning the theory of the motion of the moon and planets, along with many other important corrections and additions. At the end of 1709 Newton delivered the corrected text to his editor Roger Cotes. This second edition appeared in Cambridge in 1713 and in Amsterdam in 1714, twenty-six years after the first. It had five substantial changes, including additional examples of comets, reflecting Halley's efforts on the subject during the intervening years. This edition was edited by Roger Cotes, "whose preface rigorously attacks the Cartesian philosophy then still in vogue at universities, and refutes an assertation that Newton's theory of attraction is a causa occulta, is of great historical importance" (Sotheran 3257).

First continental edition of the most important work on mathematics.