About this item

Isaac Newton is one of the greatest scientists in history, yet the spectrum of his interests was much broader than that of most contemporary scientists. In fact, Newton would have defined himself not as a scientist, but as a natural philosopher. He was deeply involved in alchemical, religious, and biblical studies, and in the later part of his life he played a prominent role in British politics, economics, and the promotion of scientific research. Newton's pivotal work Philosophi Naturalis Principia Mathematica, which sets out his laws of universal gravitation and motion, is regarded as one of the most important works in the history of science. Niccol Guicciardini's enlightening biography offers an accessible introduction both to Newton's celebrated research in mathematics, optics, mechanics, and astronomy and to how Newton viewed these scientific fields in relation to his quest for the deepest secrets of the universe, matter theory and religion.



About the Author

Niccolò Guicciardini

I hold degrees in physics and philosophy and teach the history of science at the University of Bergamo (Italy) .

I try to write books that can be helpful in both understanding the technical aspects of science and in placing science into a cultural and philosophical context. I have been working for many years on the work of Isaac Newton.

In my books I describe the birth of two very well known mathematical theories invented by Newton: the calculus and the mathematical theory of gravitation.
At school we have been taught that these theories are indisputable and universal (I mean independent from cultural determinations) . In my books I show that the birth of calculus and gravitation theory interacted with many aspects of the culture of Newton's times, including especially philosophy.



Read Next Recommendation

Report incorrect product information.