GREGORY David Astronomiae Physicae & Geometricae Elementa.

Houzeau & Lancaster, 9240; DSB V, 520-22; Sotheran I, 1652; Lalande, p.345; Wallis, 87; Gray, 88.

First edition.

Professor of astronomy, David Gregory (1659-1708) was one of the first scientists to understan Newton (see Daumas).

“It was the first text-book composed on gravitational principles, and remodelling astronomy in conformity with physical theory… Newton thought highly of the book, and communicated, for insertion in it, his “lunar theory”, long the guide of practical astronomers in determining the moon’s motion. The discussion in the preface, in which the doctrine of gravitation was brought into credit on the score of its antiquity, likewise emanated from Newton” (DSB., pp.536-37).

Brown stain at beginning and towards the end, small marginal worming.