Book Review: The Newton Papers by Sarah Dry

The Newton Papers is a 2015 book by Sarah Dry that tells the story of the life and work of Isaac Newton through the lens of his papers. Dry begins by recounting Newton's death in 1727 and the subsequent dispersal of his papers. She then follows the trail of Newton's papers as they are passed down through the generations, eventually coming together in the 20th century.

Dry's book is not simply a biography of Newton, however. She also uses his papers to explore his scientific discoveries, his personal life, and the political and social context in which he lived. Dry shows how Newton's papers reveal a much more complex and nuanced man than the popular image of a cold and rational scientist.

One of the most striking things about Newton's papers is the breadth of his interests. Newton was not only a physicist and mathematician, but also an alchemist, a theologian, and a historian. Dry's book explores all of these facets of Newton's life, showing how they were interconnected.

For example, Newton's interest in alchemy led him to develop new theories about light and matter. His interest in theology led him to explore the relationship between science and faith. And his interest in history led him to study the ancient world and its scientific achievements.

Dry's book also does a good job of exploring the political and social context in which Newton lived. Newton was born in the midst of the English Civil War and lived through a period of great political and religious turmoil. Dry shows how Newton's work was shaped by the events of his time.

For example, Newton's support for the Whig Party led him to be appointed Master of the Mint in 1696. This position gave him the opportunity to reform the English currency and to develop new methods for detecting counterfeit coins.

Newton's work as Master of the Mint also brought him into conflict with his political rivals. In 1727, Newton was accused of financial misconduct and forced to resign from his position. This accusation was eventually found to be false, but it damaged Newton's reputation and contributed to his death in the same year.

The Newton Papers is a well-written and informative book that provides a comprehensive overview of Newton's life and work. Dry's book is also thought-provoking and challenges the traditional image of Newton as a cold and rational scientist.

Here is a more detailed review of some of the key themes in the book:

Newton's scientific discoveries

Newton is best known for his work in mathematics and physics, particularly his development of the laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation. Dry's book provides a good overview of Newton's scientific discoveries, but she also goes beyond simply describing his work. She explores the context in which Newton's discoveries were made and the impact they had on his contemporaries.

For example, Dry shows how Newton's laws of motion were developed in response to the work of Galileo and Kepler. She also shows how Newton's law of universal gravitation revolutionized our understanding of the universe.

Newton's personal life

Newton's personal life was often difficult. He was a private and reserved man who had few close friends. He was also prone to fits of depression and anger. Dry's book explores Newton's personal life in detail and shows how it shaped his work.

For example, Dry shows how Newton's relationship with his mother was strained and how this affected his view of the world. She also shows how Newton's rivalry with Robert Hooke led to a bitter feud that lasted for many years.

Newton's political and social context

Newton was born into a time of great political and religious turmoil. He lived through the English Civil War, the Restoration, and the Glorious Revolution. Dry's book shows how Newton's political and social context shaped his work.

For example, Dry shows how Newton's support for the Whig Party led to him being appointed Master of the Mint. She also shows how Newton's religious beliefs influenced his scientific work.

Newton's complex and nuanced personality

Newton's papers reveal a much more complex and nuanced man than the popular image of a cold and rational scientist. Dry's book explores Newton's interests in alchemy, theology, and history. She also shows how Newton's personal life and political views shaped his work.

Overall, The Newton Papers is a well-written and informative book that provides a comprehensive overview of Newton's life and work. Dry's book is also thought-provoking and challenges the traditional image of Newton as a cold and rational scientist.

In addition to the above, here are some additional thoughts on the book:

• Dry's book is well-researched and draws on a wide range of sources, including Newton's own papers, the letters of his contemporaries, and historical documents