Isaac Newton

Absorbing survey of the vast, modern scholarship on the complex, enigmatic, diverse genius of Newton.

Hall's absorbing survey of modern scholarship interprets Newton's experimental approach to nature. Mathematics was the deepest of Newton's varied interests, unified in his single Christian design to explore God's creation. He cannot be simplified as a Platonist or mystic, but remains a complex, enigmatic genius with an imaginative, commonsensical mind.In this elegant, absorbing biography of Isaac Newton (1642–1727), Rupert Hall surveys the vast field of modern scholarship in order to interpret Newton's mathematical and experimental approach to nature. Mathematics was always the deepest, most innovative and productive of Newton's interests. However, he was also a historian, theologian, chemist, civil servant, and natural philosopher. These diverse studies were unified in his single design as a Christian to explore every facet of God's creation. The story of Newton's life and discoveries has been greatly altered by exploration of his huge manuscript legacy during the last forty years, throwing new light upon his personality and intellect. Hall's discussion of this research shows that Newton cannot simply be explained as a Platonist, mystic, or magus. He remains a complex and enigmatic genius with an immensely imaginative and commonsensical mind.