Historical information

This book of lectures on optics & geometry by Isaac Barrow, from 1674, was published in London in Latin to make it available to scholars across Europe. Isaac Barrow (1630-1677) was a graduate of Cambridge (BA 1649, MA 1652) and a mathematician. He became Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge in 1663 and was tutor to Newton. This book includes Barrow's studies in geometric optics and the nature of light; material that would have encouraged Newton's better known research.

Significance

This book has historical significance as it details the contemporary development of the knowledge of optics in the late 17th century. It is quite rare as no other copies are listed on WorldCat for Australia.

Physical description

Book, bound in full calf leather of the period, about optics and geometry by Isaac Barrow, in Latin. It has a title page, 12 introductory pages and 151 pages of text divided into 13 "lectures". There are 13 fold-out figures illustrating geometric constructs. It is in good condition except that the front cover is at present detached.