Guide to the Sir Isaac Newton Collection, 1684-1949

Department of Special Collections

Green Library

Stanford University Libraries

Stanford, CA 94305-6004

Phone: (650) 725-1022

Email: specialcollections@stanford.edu

URL: http://library.stanford.edu/spc

Guide to the Sir Isaac Newton Collection, 1684-1949

Collection number: M0132

Department of Special Collections and University Archives

Stanford University Libraries

Stanford, California

Contact Information

Department of Special Collections
Green Library
Stanford University Libraries
Stanford, CA 94305-6004
Phone: (650) 725-1022
Email: specialcollections@stanford.edu
URL: http://library.stanford.edu/spc

Processed by:: Special Collections staff
Date Completed:: ca. 1965

Descriptive Summary

Title: Sir Isaac Newton Collection,

Date (inclusive): 1684-1949

Collection number: Special Collections M0132

Creator:

Extent: 2.5 linear ft.

Repository: Stanford University. Libraries. Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives.

Language: English.

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

None.

Publication Rights

Property rights reside with the repository. Literary rights reside with the creators of the documents or their heirs. To obtain permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the Public Services Librarian of the Dept. of Special Collections.

Provenance

The major part of this collection consists of the donations of Frederick E. Brasch who was Chief of the Scientific Collection of the Library of Congress before coming to Stanford where he served as a consultant in bibliography from 1948 to 1967. Several items were purchased from dealers including: William H. Schab of New York, Dawsons of Pall Mall, Ifan Kyrle Fletcher of London, and W. Heffer and Sons Ltd of Cambridge, England. More recent additions include xerox copies of Newton material from the Newton Exhibition in Nottingham, donated by A. Noel Proctor in 1966. Newton manuscript fragment [on church history, etc.], gift of Haskell Norman 1974.

Preferred Citation:

[Identification of item] Sir Isaac Newton Collection, M0132, Dept. of Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Scope and Content

The Newton Collection manuscripts consist of letters, drafts, reports, notes, bound volumes of lecture notes, tables, diagrams, portraits, printed pamphlets and booklets, and photostats by and about some of the leading figures in the history of science. It includes material by or about George Biddell Airy, Jean Baptiste Biot, David Brewster, Albert Einstein, Johann Franz Encke, John Flamsteed, William Rowan Hamilton, George William Hill, Nevil Maskelyne, Albert A. Michelsen, Isaac Newton, Nicholas Saunderson, and John Winthrop. Time span is ca. 1684-1949.

The collection is particularly strong in the areas of astronomy, physics and mathematics. The Isaac Newton material includes notes on his invention of calculus, geometric notes and diagrams, and some manuscripts concerning alchemy, and in addition, xerox copies of letters and manuscripts relating to his duties as warden of the Royal Mint. There are also bound volumes of lecture notes of Nicholas Saunderson's mathemetics lectures at Cambridge University. The Einstein material includes some early printed booklets in German and some letters dating from both his early years in Germany and his later residence in the United States. The material on astronomy includes several bound volumes of notes on celestial mechanics by Geroge William Hill and William D. Morgan.

Arrangement

The materials are arranged alphabetically by author, although several subgroups include materials written by other individuals which concern a particular scientist. Thus, grouped under Albert Einstein are letters by Brasch and others relating to Einstein's life and work. Each subgroup is organized according to the different types of material it contains, i.e. letters, manuscripts, bound volumes, etc. Material is organized chronologically where dates are available and by titles where they are not.

Box 1, Folder 1

Abbe, Cleveland, 1838-1916:

To Prof. Benj. Persie (with U.S. Coast Survey), Jan. 4, 1869.

Physical Description: ALS, 2pp.,

Loan of self-recording apparatus [added May 1968].

Box 1, Folder 2

Adams, John Couch, 1819-1892:

To Fisher, July 3, n.y.

Physical Description: ANS, 1 p,

Box 1, Folder 3

Airy, Sir George Biddel, 1801-1892:

To Fred L. Rogers, Feb. 13, 1837.

Physical Description: ALS, 1 p,

To John Barlow, May 30, 1857.

Physical Description: ALS, 3 pp,

To Walter White, Dec. 22, 1863.

Physical Description: ALS, 1 p,

To R. S. Newall, July 24, 1871.

Physical Description: ALS, 1 p,

Box 1, Folder 4

Alexander, Sir James Edward, 1803-1885:

To John Russell Bartlett, Nov. 18, 1841.

Physical Description: ALS, 2 pp,

Box 1, Folder 5

Anseted, David Thomas, 1814-1880:

To Dr. Davis, n.d.

Physical Description: ALS, 2 pp,

Box 1, Folder 6

Bache, A.D., 1806-1867:

To S.P. Chase, Sec. of Treasury, May 2, 1861.

Physical Description: ALS, 2 pp,

Autograph of A.D. Bache, [added May 1968].

Physical Description: 2 pp, 2 copies,

Box 1, Folder 7

Bell, []

To Mr. Hutton, Oct. 23, 1826.

Physical Description: ANS, 2 pp,

Box 1, Folder 8

Bernoulli, Familie:

Geneological tables, holograph by unknown, including some equations. German or Swiss dialect, n.d.

Physical Description: 11 pp,

Box 1, Folder 9

Biot, Jean Baptiste, 1774-1862:

To M. Bayley, in French, Aug. 18, 1814.

Physical Description: ALS 2 pp,

Box 1, Folder 10

Bond, William Cranch, 1789-1862:

To Dr. Francis, Jan. 7, 1848.

Physical Description: ALS, 2 pp,

Report to the Committee on the Observatory, AD&S, May 15, 1846.

Physical Description: 15 pp,

Box 1, Folder 11

Bosworth, Joseph, 1781-1868:

From John S. Storr, July 18, 1866.

Physical Description: ALS, 1 p,

From John S. Storr, Oct. 16, 1866.

Physical Description: ALS, 1 p,

From George Stephens, Oct. 3, 1866.

Physical Description: ALS, 4 pp,

From George Stephens, Oct. 22, 1866.

Physical Description: ALS, 4 pp,

From Raymond Storr, Jan. 2], 1869.

Physical Description: ALS, 1 p,

From Raymond Storr, LS, Jan. 23, 1869.

Physical Description: 2 pp,

Box 1, Folder 12

Brewster, Sir David, 1781-1868:

To Marc I. Brunel, with seal, March 31, 1826.

Physical Description: ALS 2 pp,

To James Hudson, Sept. 13, 1832.

Physical Description: ALS, 4 pp,

To unknown, May 28, 1851.

Physical Description: ALS, 2 pp,

Portrait, signed lithograph, n.d.

Physical Description: 1 p,

Box 1, Folder 13

Crew, Henry, 1859-1953:

To Prof. Tyler, Oct. 1, 1930.

Physical Description: ALS, 3 pp,

Box 1, Folder 14

Dana, E.S., 1849-1935:

To Mr. Kung [?], June 30, 1888 [added May 1968].

Physical Description: ALS, 1 p,

Box 1, Folder 15

Dartmouth, George Legge, 1st Baron, 1648-1691:

To Charles Bertie, July 26, 1684,ordering payment of allowances to several persons, including John Flamsteed (Flampsteed), with docket.

Physical Description: ALS, 2 pp,

Box 1, Folder 16

Einstein, Albert. Materials by or about Albert Einstein. Brasch, Frederick E., 1875-1967:

To Albert Einstein, TL, May 19, 1927.

Physical Description: 1 p,

To J. McKeen Cattell, TL, Feb. 14, 1929.

Physical Description: 1 p,

To J. McKeen Cattell, TL, Feb. 23, 1929.

Physical Description: 1 p,

To Josepha Whitney, TL, Apr. 23, 1929.

Physical Description: 1 p,

To Mrs. [Anita Newcomb] McGee, TL, May 16, 1930.

Physical Description: 1 p,

To Josepha Whitney, and AN, Nov. 28, 1941.

Physical Description: TLS 1 p,

Box 1, Folder 17

Einstein, Albert, 1879-1952:

1. To [Josepha] Whitney, in German, July 15, 1926.Re: Simon Newcomb.

Physical Description: ALS 2 pp,

2. [Verifax] copy of No. 1.

3. Typed translation of No. 1 by Tobias Dantzig with ms. corrections, n.d.

Physical Description: 2 pp,

4. Typed translation of No. 1 by Dantzig with ms. editing and TN by F.E. Brasch, n.d.

Physical Description: 2 pp,

5. Autograph translation of No. 1 by Myrtis Jarrell, n.d.

Physical Description: 5 pp,

6. Typed translation of No. 1 by Myrtis Jarrell, n.d.

Physical Description: 3 pp,

7. Galley proof of Brasch's introduction and edition of the Dantzig translation of No. 1, Feb. 21, 1929.

Physical Description: 1 p,

8. AMs of introduction to No. 7, n.d.

Physical Description: 1 p,

9. TMs of introduction to No. 7 with carbon copy, n.d.

Physical Description: 2 pp,

10. TMs of introduction to No. 7 with ms. corrections and carbon copy, n.d.

Physical Description: 2 pp,

Box 1, Folder 18

1. To The History of Science Society, TSL in German, June 4, 1927.

Physical Description: 1 p,

2. To F.E. Brasch, with cover, pledge, pamphlet, and return envelope, Jan. 20, 1947.

Physical Description: TLS 8 pp,

Box 1, Folder 19

Einstein Printed Material

1. Eine Neue Bestimmung der Molek[UNK]uldimensionen, 1905.

2. Sitzungsberichte der K[UNK]oniglich Preussischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, 1914.

3. Ather und Relativit[UNK]atstheorie, 1920.

4. Die Kompatibilitat der Feldgleichungen in der Einheitlichen Feldtheorie, 1930.

Box 1, Folder 20

Hendrick, Burton J., 1870-1949:

To Mrs. Anita Newcomb McGee, with from Mrs. McGee To Brasch, Apr. 18, 1927.

Physical Description: ANS TLS 1 p,

McGee, Anita Newcomb

To Mr. Brasch, with note by [Brasch], Mar. 29, 1930.

Physical Description: ALS 3 pp,

Whitney, Josepha

To Mr. Brasch, Nov. 9, 1941

Physical Description: TLS, 1 p,

To Mr. Brasch, n.d.

Physical Description: ALS, 1 p,

Box 1, Folder 21

Einstein Miscellany

1. Clips announcing a lecture by Einstein at the University of Chicago, Apr. 29, 1921.

Physical Description: 1 p,

2. Clip, obituary notice of Dr. Anita N. McGee, Oct. 8, 1940.

Physical Description: 1 p,

3. To F.E. Brasch, Invitation to a lecture series by Professor Albert Einstein on the Theory of Relativity at Princeton, Apr. [?], 1921.

Box 1, Folder 22

Encke, Johann Franz, 179]-1865:

AMs and tables, July 12, 1824.

Physical Description: 4 pp,

Box 1, Folder 23

Flamsteed, John, 1646-1719:

To Henry [Normanthrop?], [Dec.] 31, 1696.

Physical Description: ALS, 3 pp,

Certificate of employment of Thomas Weston, signed C. Musgrave, Wm. Bridges, and Ja. Lowsher, ADS, Apr. 27, 1703.

Physical Description: 1 p,

Certificate of employment of Joseph Crussthwait, ADS, 1714.

Physical Description: 1 p,

Box 1, Folder 24

Halley, Edmond, 1656-1743:

To [Wallis], facsimile, Dec. 11, 1686.

Physical Description: ALS 1 p,

Box 1, Folder 25

Hamilton, William Rowan, 1805-1865:

To Charles Hatchet, Jan. 19, 1829.

Physical Description: ALS, 2 p

To Capt. Beauford, (handwriting and signature differ from other two), Mar. 5, 1834.

Physical Description: ALS 2 pp

To [Atkinson?], 2 00, Mar. 10, 1835.

Physical Description: ALS,

Box 1, Folder 26

Hill, George William, 1838-1914:

Course of Lectures on Celestial Mechanics, bound holograph volume, prepared for delivery at Columbia College, 1893-1894.Edited by T. J. J. See, 1942-1943-1949. Hadnwritten editing also, except for a few printed insertions. Includes a letter, from J.L. Farnum to T. J. J. See, Apr. 29, 1915.

Physical Description: TLS, (loose)

Box 1, Folder 27

Hockett, John

To Isaac Newton, with notes on chronology in Newton's hand in margin and on address sheet, Sept. 14, 1699.

Physical Description: ALS 3 pp

Box 1, Folder 28

Leverrier's Tables, bound holograph volume, copied by H.C.F.C.Schjellerup, given to L.L.E. Dreyer, Aug. 1888.

Box 1, Folder 29

Maskelyne, Nevil, 1732-1811:

To Francis Wingrave, AL, Jan. 26, 1796.

Physical Description: 2 pp

Box 1, Folder 30

Michelsen, Albert A., 1852-1931:

To Mr. H.W. Tyler (M.I.Y.), appoints Tyler member of of National Research Council, June 26, 1926.

Physical Description: TLS, 2 pp

Box 2, Folder 1-2

Morgan, William D.

Notes on Celestial Mechanics, bound holograph volumes with typed title page, introduction, and table of contents, 1950.

Physical Description: 2 volumes

Box 2, Folder 3

Newton, Sir Isaac, 1642-1727:

Alchemical writers, list of authors and books on alchemy including a list of 27 items headed: Desideratum opera Lulli sequentia, and some geometric notes, n.d.

Physical Description: AMs, 11 pp.

Box 2, Folder 4

Alchemical Writers, De Scriptoribus Chemicis, a bibliography containing titles and particulars of over 80 printed books and several mss., n.d.

Physical Description: AMs, 5 pp

Box 2, Folder 5

Lucatello's Balsalm, To make Lucatello's Balsome, a recipe. AMs and facsimile, n.d.

Physical Description: 2 pp

Box 2, Folder 6

Philalethes, Notes out of Philalethes, beginning: Mercury vulgar is prepared for conjunction with sol vulgar by frequent cohabations of Reg of [Iron], n.d.

Physical Description: AMs, 3 pp

Box 2, Folder 7

Philosophical and Theological Arguments concerning the Protestant and Catholic churches, n.d.,plus fragment. (Gift of Associates of the Stanford University Libraries)

Physical Description: AMs, 16pp

Box 2, Folder 8

Raymundus, Ex Raymundi libro secretorum, sue de Quintessentis and notes (in Latin) on the separation of elements under Saturn and Jupiter, n.d.

Physical Description: AMs, 13 pp

Box 2, Folder 9

Theatrum Astronomiae Terrestris, [and ye conversion of one element into another in ye composition of ye stone.] In English and Latin with two pen and ink diagrams. n.d.

Physical Description: AMs, 4 pp; typescript with copies of diagrams, 5 pp

Temple of Solomon, a sketch with holograph notes, facsimile, n.d.,from Schab catalog.

Physical Description: 1 p

Box 2, Folder 10

Notes [on church history, celibacy, and so forth], fragment, n.d.(Gift of Dr. Haskell Norman)

Physical Description: AMs 2 pp

Box 2, Folder 11

Notes [on motion in a circle], 1pp with typed copy in Latin with English translation, n.d.[added May 1968].

Physical Description: AMs, 8 pp, (9 leaves)

Box 2, Folder 12

Notes [on planets], fragment, n.d.

Physical Description: AMs 2 pp

To Halley, facsimile, Mar. 1, 1724/5.

Physical Description: ALS, 1 p,

Box 2, Folder 13

Xerox copies of Newton items from the Newton exhibition in Nottingham.

Correspondence:

1. To Mr. [Owen?]. Mar. 19, 1671.

Physical Description: ALS, 11 p

Scope and Content Note

Re: telescope.

2. To unknown, June 20, 1682.

Physical Description: ALS, 1 p

Scope and Content Note

Re: theory of vision.

3. To Mr. Bennett, Mayor of Chester, Apr. 16, 1698.

Physical Description: ALS

Scope and Content Note

Re: one William Cook, a counterfeiter.

4. To unknown, Nov. 23, 1699.

Physical Description: ALS, 1 p

5. To the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, n.d.

Physical Description: ALS, 1 p

Documents:

6. Disposition of Newton's estate, A.D.S. (Henry Farrant, Deputy Registrar) with typescript copy, May 5, 1727.

Physical Description: 2 pp

7. An Account of the Mint in the Tower of London, n.d.

Physical Description: AMs, 1 p

8. An Account of the Scotch Money, n.d.

Physical Description: AMs, 1 p

9. Calculus, Newton's invention of, n.d.

Physical Description: AMs, 1 p

10. Concerning the Language of the Prophets, n.d.

Physical Description: AMs, 1 p

11. To make Lucatellos Balsome, n.d.

Physical Description: AMs, 1 p

12. Observations upon the state of the Coins of Gold and Silver, n.d.

Physical Description: AMs, 1 p

13. Proposals for coining half pence and farthing, of Copper for the English Plantations in American, n.d.

Physical Description: AMs, 1 p

14. Proposals for preserving and encouraging the coyn of this kingdom without hindering of freedom of Trade, n.d.

Physical Description: AMs, 1 p

15. Of an Universal Language, n.d.

Physical Description: AMs, 1 p

16. Untitled AMs n.d.

Physical Description: 1 p

Scope and Content Note

Re: coinage duty.

17. Unittled AMs with drawings of coins, n.d.

Physical Description: 1 p

18. Unidentified AN, n.d.

Physical Description: 1 p

Box 3, Folder 1

Newton Miscellany

Bound volume with many portraits, book plate, photos, clips, biographical sketch, facsimile ca. 1704-1858,includes:

Physical Description: ALS,

To unknown, AL in Latin with typescript translation, June, 7th day of the kalends, 1704.

DS - two financial documents, May 4 and Dec. 24, 1718.

To Mr. MacLauren, and typescript, Aug. 21, 1725.

Physical Description: ALS

Loose sheet with short holograph quotations from two of his scientific works, n.d.

Box 3, Folder 2

Polgar, Magyar and Teleki, Graf A.

To unknown, in Hungarian, n.d.Re: a contribution to a math journal.

Physical Description: ALS 4 pp

Box 3, Folder 3

Rogers, Henry, 1808-1866:

To Dr. Robson, n.d.

Physical Description: ALS, 3 pp

Box 3, Folder 4

Saunderson, Nicholas, 1682-1739:

fragment, n.d.

Physical Description: ANS, 1 p

Portrait etched, n.d.

Physical Description: 1 p

Box 3, Folder 5

Notes by [W. Ludlam] from Saunderson's Mathematics Lectures, Bound, 1736.

Box 4, Folder 1

Commentaries on several parts of Newton's Principia Philosophia by Professor Saunderson, lecture notes of W. Ludlam, bound, 1738.

Box 4, Folder 2

A Treatise of Fluxions by Nicholar Saunderson, copied by William Ward, bound, 1738-1739.

Box 4, Folder 3

Clavis Newtoniana sive Commentarius in Principia Philosophia Newtoniana by Nicholar Saunderson, copied by W. Ludlam, bound, 1739.

Box 4, Folder 4

A Comment upon the Elements of Fluxions [by Nicholas Saunderson], copied by W. Ludlam, bound, 1739.

Box 5, Folder 1

The Elements of Fluxions by Nicholas Saunderson, copied by W. Ludlam, bound, 1739.

Box 5, Folder 2

Logometria by N. Saunderson, copied by W. Ludlam, bound, 1739.

Box 5, Folder 3

Simson, Rob [?] [Robert?]

To Mr. Colin Campbell, Feb. 14, 1718.

Physical Description: typescript copy, 1 p

Scope and Content Note

[Probably transcribed by F.E. Brasch]

Box 5, Folder 4

Taggart, W.T.

From H.W. Taeuber, Aug. 30, 1933.

Physical Description: TLS, 1 p

Box 5, Folder 5

Van Vleck, J.M., 1833-:

To Prof. Tyler, Dec. 17, 1902. [added May 1968].

Physical Description: ALS, 4 pp

Box 5, Folder 6

Winthrop, John, 1714-1779:

The Summary of a Course of Experimental Philosophical Lectures, photostat from original at Harvard, n.d.

Physical Description: AMs, 154 pp