Isaac Newton, adventurer in thought - A. Rupert Hall

In this elegant and absorbing biography of Isaac Newton (1642-1727) Rupert Hall surveys the vast field of modern scholarship in order to interpret Newton's mathematical and experimental approach to nature. Mathematics was always the deepest, the most innovative and the most productive of Newton's interests. However, Newton as historian, theologian, chemist, civil servant and natural philosopher is also part of the picture. Clearly these many diverse studies were to an extent unified in Newton's single design as a Christian to explore every facet of God's creation, not least his ways and purposes in relation to humanity. The story of Isaac Newton's life and discoveries has been greatly altered by exploration of his huge manuscript legacy during the last thirty to forty years. This research has thrown new light upon both his personality and his intellect. Rupert Hall's discussion of this research shows that Newton cannot be simply explained as a Platonist, mystic or magus. He remains a complex and enigmatic genius with a mind both immensely imaginative and commonsensical.