Equivalence and Priority (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780198501435)

Leibniz's dispute with Newton over the physico-mathematical theories expounded in the Principia Mathematica (1687) have long been identified as a crucial episode in the history of science. Bertolini Meli here examines several hitherto unpublished manuscripts in Leibniz's hand illustrating his first reading of and reaction to Newton's Principia. Six of the most important manuscripts are here presented for the first time. Contrary to Leibniz's own claims, this new evidence shows that he had studied Newton's masterpiece before publishing An Essay on the Causes of Celestial Motions. This article, representing his response to Newton, also included in English translation. Meli analyzes the important implications of this episode on a variety of themes ranging from priority claims to the mathematization of nature in the 17th century. Besides providing a careful study of Leibniz's style and strategy, the author examines how our perception of Newton's achievement is affected and the reception of the rival theories by the mathematical community around 1700. This unique work will interest all historians of science and philosophy.

Author: Domenico Bertonloni Meli,Domenico Bertoloni Meli
ISBN-10: 0198501439
ISBN-13: 9780198501435
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Language: English
Published: 10/02/1997
Pages: 328
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.02lbs
Size: 9.21h x 6.14w x 0.69d