NEWTON, Isaac (1642-1727). Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica... editio tertia aucta & emendata. London: William and John Innys 1726.

Deluxe copy of the third and definitive edition, one of 50 copies printed on large paper for presentation by Newton. This edition of the Principia was the last published in the author's lifetime and formed the basis for all subsequent editions. It includes a new preface by Newton mentioning Halley’s comet as well as many alterations and augmentations to the text, ‘the most important being the scholium on fluxions, in which Leibnitz had been mentioned by name’ (Babson). The edition was printed in three issues, the most deluxe (as here) consisted of only 50 copies printed on large, superfine Royal paper with a crown and fleur-de-lys watermark. These copies were earmarked for presentation to friends and colleagues by Newton and indeed many survive in grand bindings with presentation inscriptions. The present copy is a new addition to Macomber’s 1953 census of surviving copies (‘Census of the Owners of Copies of the 1726 Presentation Issue of Newton’s Principia’ in PBSA, 1953, pp.269-300). Babson 13; Wallis 10. See PMM 161 and 1586 (first edition).

Royal quarto (316 x 221). Half-title, title printed in red and black, one text engraving, numerous text illustrations (lacks portrait and royal Privilege leaf and without 2-pp. publishers' catalogue at end as often, first quire tipped in, a2.3 loose, occasional light soiling, dust-soiling at upper edge, repaired neat tear in Ii4). Contemporary calf (some damage on sides, rebacked, front flyleaf repaired); modern cloth box. Provenance: Colonel Edward Malcolm, 16th Laird of Poltalloch (1837-1930; armorial bookplate, library shelflabel).

Please note this lot is the property of a consumer. See H1 of the Conditions of Sale.