Arithmetica Universalis; sive De Compositione et Resolutione Arithmetica Liber. Cui Accessit Halleiana Æquationum Radices Arithmetice Inveniendi Methodus. In Usum Juventutis Academicæ

[NEWTON, Sir Isaac]

Published by Cantabrigiæ [Cambridge]: Typis academicis; Londini [London], impensis Benj. Tooke, 1707

About this Item

First edition. 8vo. (viii), 343, (1) pp. 19th century full diced calf, spine with raised bands, gilt lettered black label, blind tooled borders to the boards, ownership inscription of a William Fitton dated June 1800 to the half title, another contemporary owner's inscription - that of a Philip Crampton, the date cropped "180?", mathemetical annotations to the front and rear leaves and in the margins at intervals within. Joints skilfully repaired, some mild soiling to the front and rear leaves, an attractive copy. A mathemetical text composed entirely in Latin by Newton and edited by William Whiston who had succeeded him as the Lucasian professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University in 1702. The two had become acquainted during the previous decade and Newton was impressed enough with his acolyte that he invited him to lecture at the university when he was occupied with his other work. It was Whiston who persuaded Newton to publish some of his lectures on algebra but Newton was dissatisfied with Whiston's editing and additions to the text - to the extent that he considered buying the entire stock of the book to prevent its appearance in public. That clearly didn't happen although Newton succeeded in having the book published anonymously and its relative scarcity in commerce suggests a slightly truncated print run. The first ownership inscription is that of the Irish geologist William Fitton (1780-1861). The son of a Dublin lawyer, his paternal grandfather had been a mathematical instrument maker. Fitton began his studies at Trinity College Dublin in 1794 and earned his B.A. in 1799 but continued studying there until 1803. He went on to study medicine at Edinburgh University, becoming a doctor in 1810 and continued his medical studies in London and Cambridge during the following six years. Fitton's interest in geology and mineralogy were his true passions and, after marrying into a wealthy family, he was able to devote his studies exclusively to these subjects. He subsequently served as secretary and later as president of the Geological Society, published numerous reviews and papers plus a small number of books including 'A Geological Sketch of the Vicinity of Hastings' in 1833. Fitton was awarded the Wollaston Medal, the society's highest prize, in 1852. The other inscription is almost certainly that of Sir Philip Crampton (1777-1858), an Irish surgeon who awarded many honours and held various senior positions in a long and illustrious career: "elected FRS in 1812. In 1813 he was appointed surgeon-general to the forces in Ireland, and he was surgeon to the queen in Ireland, a member of the senate of the Queen's University of Ireland, and four times president of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (in 1811, 1820, 1844, and 1855). In 1839 he was created baronet" (ODNB).

Seller Inventory # 51058

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Arithmetica Universalis; sive De Compositione et Resolutione Arithmetica Liber. Cui Accessit Halleiana Æquationum Radices Arithmetice Inveniendi Methodus. In Usum Juventutis Academicæ
• Publisher: Cantabrigiæ [Cambridge]: Typis academicis; Londini [London], impensis Benj. Tooke
• Publication Date: 1707
• Seller catalogs:
  • Natural History