A View of Sir Isaac Newton’s Philosophy.
London: S. Palmer, 1728. First edition. Engraved title-page vignette, twelve folding engraved plates, plus engraved headbands, tail-pieces, and historiated initials by John Pine after J. Grison. Pine, of course, is known for his wonderful, engraved edition of Horace. With a subscriber’s list. Light foxing. Light offsetting from engravings, which are lightly foxed with some having a few small stains. Occasional minor ink and pencil marginalia. Ink initials and red ink stamp on verso of title page. A very good, large copy. Contemporary full calf ruled in gilt, rebacked with gilt calf spine label. Edges sprinkled red. Quarto. [50], 407 pp. Item #7968
“Dr. Pemberton studied under Boerhaave, preparedthe Fifth London Pharmacopoeia and was invited by Newton to edit the third (1726) edition of the Principia. This study of Newton’s philosophy is interesting as being the account of a close friend. The preface contains the author’s recollections of Newton, especially in his old age. There is also a poem on Sir Isaac by Richard Glover (poet and M.P., 1712-1785) written in his 16th year; the author’s introduction on Newton’s method of reasoning in philosophy; and a long list of subscribers” (Babson). John Pine (1690-1756) “...was our best native engraver during the first half of the century. His Horace...possesses the delightful unity that such [engraved] books always have. Its strokes may well have influenced Baskerville and Bodoni in their type design. Its vignettes make it one of the few English books that can be compared with French work of the time for delicacy and finish.” (Bland, History of Book Illustration, p. 216).
Babson 98. Gray 132.
Price: $2,000.00