The Foundations of Newton's Alchemy
$34.99 (G)
- Author: B. J. T. Dobbs
- Date Published: April 1983
- availability: Available
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521273817
$
34.99
(G)
Paperback
Looking for an examination copy?
This title is not currently available for examination. However, if you are interested in the title for your course we can consider offering an examination copy. To register your interest please contact collegesales@cambridge.org providing details of the course you are teaching.
-
Sir Isaac Newton left at his death a large collection of papers on alchemy, mostly in his own handwriting; the importance of this legacy has been debated ever since. When it first appeared, Professor Dobb's detailed analysis of the foundations of Newton's alchemical pursuits further stimulated interest in the subject by firmly establishing the importance of alchemy in Newton's thought. This book sets the foundations of Newton's alchemy in their historical context in Restoration England. It is shown that alchemical modes of thought and particularly those of a Neoplatonic kind, were quite strong in many of those who provided the dynamism for the scientific revolution of the seventeenth century and that these modes of thought had important relationships with general movements for reform in the same period: reform of religion, philosophy, learning, society and of man himself. Newton's alchemy is thus seen as a critical link between Renaissance Hermeticism and the rational chemistry and mechanics of the eighteenth century.
Reviews & endorsements
'Not every first book suffices to establish a reputation. Mrs Dobb's superb achievement does just that … No one interested in seventeenth century science should allow himself to miss the work.' Journal of the History of Medicine
See more reviews'Dobbs's book should be read not only by scholars of Newton: it should be basic reading for students of the enlightenment as well as for historians interested in the connection between Renaissance Neoplatonism, broadly interpreted and the origins of modern thought.' The Eighteenth Century
Customer reviews
Not yet reviewed
Be the first to review
Review was not posted due to profanity
×Product details
- Date Published: April 1983
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521273817
- length: 320 pages
- dimensions: 229 x 152 x 18 mm
- weight: 0.47kg
- availability: Available
Table of Contents
List of plates
Preface
1. 'The Hunting of the Greene Lyon'
2. Conceptual Background for Seventeenth-Century Alchemy
3. Seventeenth-Century Alchemy
4. Chemistry and Alchemy at Cambridge
5. Newton's Earliest Alchemy:
1668–75
6. Newton's Integration of Alchemy and Mechanism
Epilogue
Appendices
Selected Bibliographies
Index.
Sorry, this resource is locked
Please register or sign in to request access. If you are having problems accessing these resources please email lecturers@cambridge.org
Register Sign in» Proceed
You are now leaving the Cambridge University Press website. Your eBook purchase and download will be completed by our partner www.ebooks.com. Please see the permission section of the www.ebooks.com catalogue page for details of the print & copy limits on our eBooks.
Continue ×Are you sure you want to delete your account?
This cannot be undone.
Thank you for your feedback which will help us improve our service.
If you requested a response, we will make sure to get back to you shortly.
×