The Optical Papers of Isaac Newton: Volume 1. The Optical Lectures 1670–1672

by Edited by Alan E. Shapiro

• ISBN13: 9780521155090
• ISBN10: 0521155096
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-01-26
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

The first volume of a three-volume complete edition of Newton's optical papers contains his Optical Lectures, delivered at Cambridge University between 1670 and 1672. The Lectures is Newton's first major scientific treatise, and consequently it represents a crucial link between his early years of discovery and his mature investigations and publications, such as the Optiks in 1704. It is divided into two parts: the first part devoted to color and the second to refraction. Originally published in 1984, this edition made available the complete text, together with translation and commentary, of both surviving versions of the Lectures, a draft and a vastly expanded revision. Until the time of publication, scholars had to depend on an uncritical text of the revision and an inadequate partial English translation, both published shortly after Newton's death. Professor Shapiro's critical edition has made a great contribution to the study of Newtonian science.

Table of Contents

List of plates

Preface

Editorial note

Abbreviated references

Introduction

Synopsis of the Lectiones opticae and Optica and their major differences

Concordance of article numbers

Lectiones opitcae: Optica:

The Refractions of Light Rays:

The refrangibility of rays differs

The measure of refractions

The refractions of planes

The refractions of curved surfaces

The Origin of Colors:

The doctrine of colors is set forth and proved by prismatic experiments

Various phenomena of colors

Bibliography

Index

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