Isaac NEWTON (1643-1727)
Philosophiæ naturalis principia mathematica
London, 1687
First edition with handwritten notes by
G. W. LEIBNIZ (1646-1716)

The first edition of Principia Mathematica was published in London in 1687. Four hundred copies were printed by the Royal Society, paid for by Newton’s disciple, Edmond Halley. Newton’s magnum opus reveals an entirely new vision of the universe. It provides an introduction to modern and rational science by formulating a single law that explains the falling motion of an apple, the movements of the planets around the sun as well as the phenomenon of tides.

The Foundation’s copy belonged to G.W. Leibniz and is annotated in the margins in his hand. By way of anecdote, we know that Leibniz used to read in bed at night while smoking his pipe. The russet stains on the pages, more numerous on the annotated pages, are not caused by the quality of the paper: they are tiny burns. (Jacques T. Quentin.)

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