Newton's Principia for the Common Reader

Newton's Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica provides a coherent and deductive presentation of his discovery of the universal law of gravity. The Principia is, in fact, a model for all mathematical physics. Representing a decade's work from one of the world's most distinguished physicists, this major publication is, as far as is known, the first comprehensive analysis of Newton's Principia without recourse to secondary sources. Chandrasekhar analyses some 150 propositions which form a direct chain leading to Newton's formulation of his universal law of gravitation. In each case, Newton's proofs are arranged in a linear sequence of equations and arguments, avoiding the need to unravel the necessarily convoluted style of Newton's connected prose. In almost every case, a modern version of the proofs is given to bring into sharp focus the beauty, clarity, and breathtaking economy of Newton's methods. Chandrasehkar's work is an attempt by a distinguished practising scientist to read and comprehend the enormous intellectual achievement of the Principia. This book will stimulate great interest and debate among the scientific community, illuminating the brilliance of Newton's work under the steady gaze of Chandrasekhar's rare perception.

Table of Contents:
Prologue 1: The beginnings and the writing of the Principia 2: Basic concepts: definition and axioms 3: On the notion of limits and the ratios of evanescent quantities 4: On the motion of particles under centripetal attraction: an introduction to Newton's treatment 5: The law of areas and some relations which follow 6: The motion of bodies along conic sections 7: Kepler's equation and its solution 8: The rectilinear ascent and descent of bodies 9: The conservation of energy and the initial value problem 10: On revolving orbits 11: A pause 12: The two-body problem 13: The method of the variations of the elements of a Kepler orbit and Newton's lunar theory: an introduction to propositions LXV-LXIX 14: The three body problem: the foundations of Newton's lunar theory 15: The superb theorems 16: Attraction by non-spherical bodies 17: A digression into Opticks 18: Prolegomenon 19: The universal law of gravitation 20: The figure of the earth and of the planets 21: On the theory of tides 22: The lunar theory 23: The precession of the equinoxes 24: On the comets 25: The effect of air-drag on the descent of bodies 26: The solid of least resistance 27: The problem of the brachistochrone 28: The velocity of sound and long waves in canals

Review :
"Only a few have ventured into Newton's forbidding cathedral of scientific understanding with the persistence and ability to appreciate both its genuine miracles and the sublime elegance of the imposing structures to be found within it. One of the most eminent of those who have done so is Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar." Sir Roger Penrose, Times Higher Education Supplement "All will be grateful to Chandrasekhar for providing us with an access to the magnificence of the Principia that is exciting and relatively painless. He acts as a superb guide, pointing out ornaments of particular elegance and subtlety, while all the time keeping us in mind of the grandeur of purpose of the magnificent architecture." Sir Roger Penrose, Times Higher Education Supplement. "Those who are familiar with Chandrasekhar's work...may find it surprising that he has devoted so many of his latest years to exploring the delights of Newton's geometry. This surprise is removed, once one appreciates that it is in his artistry with equations rather than with brute-force calculations, that his ability, in this regard, lie." Sir Roger Penrose, Times Higher Education Supplement "...there is no question that Chandrasekhar has performed a uniquely valuable service. I know I shall often return to his book and continue to take advantage of his insights into Newton's supreme work for years to come." Sir Roger Penrose, Times Higher Education Supplement `Chandrasekhar transforms the Newtonian mathematics into modern idiom and thus makes it much more accessible to what he quaintly refers to as the "common reader". The beauty, clarity and economy of Newton's achievements shine through. The great joy of Chandrasekhar's book is that it repays all the attention one gives it. As one proceeds, everything becomes so much easier to undrstand. The veil of Newtonian obscurity is lifted and one begins to grasp is lifted and one begins to grasp the extent of Newton's achievement.' David Hughes, Nature `This book will stimulate great interest and debate among the scientific community, illuminating the brilliance of Newton's work.' Zentrallblatt fur Mathematik, Vol. 821, 1995 `... a remarkable tour de force ...' Leon Mestel `This remarkable book is both an interpretation of and a commentary on Newton's 'Principia' in which the author analyses some 150 propositions which lead eventually to the formulation of the law of gravitation.' Aslib Book Guide, Vol. 60, No. 9, September 1995 `....a remarkable tour de force..' Leon Mestel, The Observatory, February 1996 `To grasp the truly awesome nature of Newton's achievement in the Principia, it is necessary to turn to Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar's Newton's Principia for the Common Reader...This is a valuable guide to the Principia--certainly beyond the level of the "common reader"--that will take its place in the succession of major commentaries on the Principia of the past three centuries.' Physics Today, November 1996