'There are great alterations in the geometry of late'. The rise of Isaac Newton's early Scottish circle. Issue 1 (2nd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beeley, Philip
• Is Part Of: British journal for the history of mathematics. Volume 35:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 24
• Publication Date: 2020-01-02
• Subjects: Mathematics -- History -- Periodicals; Mathematics; History; Periodicals; Periodicals; 510.9
• DOI: 10.1080/26375451.2019.1701862
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2637-5451

Abstract

Abstract : This paper traces the rise of three Scottish mathematicians – Colin Campbell, John Craig, and David Gregory – to become key figures in the dissemination and promotion of Newton's mathematical ideas and natural philosophy in the 1680s. Two medical men – Archibald Pitcairne and his former student George Cheyne – both likewise captivated by the Principia, played minor roles in the story of Newton's mathematics, while at the same time promoting the concept of mathematical medicine derived from his philosophical thought. Drawing on contemporary correspondence and previously unpublished papers, it considers how these men contributed to the scholarly perception of Newton and how, conversely, Newton used his increasing influence in order to encourage their work, most notably obtaining for Gregory the vacant chair in astronomy at Oxford in 1691.