Title: Title page of Newton’s “Opticks”
Date: 1706
Original Format: photograph: print
Description: Latin editon. Newton published his first edition in 1704 in English, but without his name on the title page, it is thought in order to avoid controversy. Knighted by Queen Anne in the following year, he displayed his name linked to his new title here for the first time in print, “Isaaco Newton, Equite aurato” (golden knight); his new rank entitled him to gild his armor. The Latin edition was intended for distribution outside of England. This copy, in an old and well-preserved binding, bears inside the bookplate of an aristocratic German family, probably dating from the 18th century. Purchased in Rome following World War II by George W. Housner.
Collection: Rare Books
Caltech Archives ID: RB-IN1706-1
