Newton's Philosophy of Nature

Aside from the <i>Principia</i> and occasional appearances of the <i>Opticks</i> Newton's writings have remained largely inaccessible to students of philosophy science and literature as well as to other readers. This book provides a remedy with wide representation of the interests problems and diverse philosophic issues that preoccupied the greatest scientific mind of the seventeenth century.<br>Grouped in sections corresponding to methods principles and theological considerations these selections feature cross-references to related essays. Starting with an examination of the methods of natural philosophy -- including the rules of reasoning the formulation of hypotheses and the experimental method -- the essays explore the laws of motion and the relationships between God and gravity creation and universal design. Discussions of questions related to natural philosophy include theories on light colors and perceptions. The volume concludes with absorbing selections from the <i>Opticks</i> and a helpful series of historical and explanatory notes.