216. Newton (Sir Isaac) Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica, third edition, engraved portrait by Vertue after Vanderbank (slightly smaller), title in red and black, with half-title following title but without privilege, Halley’s verses and dedication from another copy (indicated by intermittent wormhole), engraved illustration of cometary orbit on p.506, woodcut diagrams throughout, portrait soiled and browned, old ink signature of Thomas Carson on verso of portrait at head and upper edge neatly repaired, title and final leaf soiled, wormhole to title and some preliminaries, some other light soiling and staining, mostly marginal, one or two pencil annotations to upper margin, modern morocco-backed cloth, spine ruled and titled in gilt, [Babson 13], 4to, W. & J.Innys, 1726.
est. £3000 – £4000
“This edition was the last published during the author’s lifetime and the basis of all subsequent editions. It was edited by Henry Pemberton, M.D., F.R.S., and contains a new preface by Newton and a large number of alterations, the most important being the scholium on fluxions, in which Leibnitz had been mentioned by name. This had been considered an acknowledgement of Leibnitz’s independent discovery of calculus. In omitting Leibnitz’s name in this edition, Newton was criticised as taking advantage of an opponent whose death had prevented any reply. Halley’s verses were restored to their original form.” Babson
A printed label on front pastedown states, “This book formed part of the Library of Dr. Thomas Carson, the first Apostle of the Religion of Humanity in Liverpool…”