Matter and Gravity in Newton's Physical Philosophy: a Study in the Natural Philosophy of Newton's Time

Abstract

THE explanatory title of this book, namely, “A Study in the Natural Philosophy of Newton's Time,” gives a good indication of the scope and nature of the contents. It is certainly desirable in these days, when science, philosophy, and religion are all recognised as important contributors to the progress of human thought, to have such an outstanding period as that of the seventeenth century and early eighteenth surveyed, especially with reference to the atomic revival which, as the author points out, is very closely associated with the name of Pierre Gassendi. The work of Robert Boyle, and also the dispute between Gassendi's and Descartes' schools of atomism, are traced in the first chapter, and the question as to the divisibility of matter is shown to have formed an important phase of the intellectual background of Newton's time. Galileo's ideas with regard to movement are also traced, and so the way is prepared for the Newtonian atomism which is discussed in the second chapter.

Matter and Gravity in Newton's Physical Philosophy: a Study in the Natural Philosophy of Newton's Time.

By A. J. Snow. Pp. 256. (London: Oxford University Press, 1926.) 7s. 6d. net.