Newton’s Mathematical Principles: translation and commentary
Du Châtelet translated Newton’s Principia into French and added mathematical developments, including an algebraic presentation and commentary on celestial mechanics. Readers encounter both a translated text and original scientific interpretation.
Understanding the text
The edition appeared in 1756 and 1759 after her death, with Clairaut’s editorial involvement. The translation belongs to du Châtelet; Newton authored the original work.
Key points
- 01
Translation
Rendering a demonstration requires terminological and mathematical decisions, not merely replacing words.
- 02
Celestial mechanics
The commentary connects Newtonian propositions with eighteenth-century calculations and debates.
- 03
Transmission
Prefaces, commentary and editorial interventions must be distinguished from original text and translation.
How to read it
Start with one proposition and its commentary; identify Newton, the translator and the editor in your edition.
Editions & sources
Summaries and key points are original editorial interpretations. They accompany reading the work and do not replace an edition of the text. Editorial method ↗