ORIGINS OF MODERNITY

natural philosophy

's Gravesande, Willem Jacob (1688-1742)
Physices elementa mathematica, experimentis confirmata. English. Mathematical elements of natural philosophy, confirm'd by experiments, or, An introduction to Sir Isaac Newton's philosophy / written in Latin by William-James s'Gravesande ... ; translated into English by J.T. Desaguliers
London : Printed for J. Senex ..., W. Innys and R. Maney ..., and T. Longman, 1737
Fifth edition

’s Gravesande’s (1688-1742) Physices elementa mathematica was one of the first textbooks of Newtonian physics. First published in 1720-1 it quickly became one of the primary conduits for the spread of the new Newtonian physics on the Continent, predating Voltaire’s introduction to the physics of Newton. The work also shows the influence of Locke’s Essay Concerning Human Understanding. For example in the Preface ’s Gravesande writes with strong echoes of Locke that,
The Study of Natural Philosophy is not however to be contemn’d, as built upon an unknown foundation. The Sphere of humane Knowledge is bounded within a narrow Compass (...).

However, the work is more optimistic about the prospects of science than is Locke’s work. ’s Gravesande continues,
Though many things in Nature are hidden from us; yet what is set down in Physics as a Science, is undoubted.