Newton (Sir Isaac).- Royal Society.- Philosophical Transactions: giving some Accompt of the Present Undertakings, Studies, and Labours of the Ingenious in many considerable parts of the World, vol. 1-11 in 6 vol., folding engraved plates, slightly foxed and browned, no. 75 ink blot at tail, last 2 vol. new endpapers, contemporary panelled calf, some wear, last 2 vol. rebacked in later morocco, red and gilt morocco labels on spines, sm. 4to, [1667-76]; sold as a periodical not subject to return.

⁂ The "oldest continuous scientific journal and single most important record of the first announcement and communication of scientific discoveries and inventions." - PMM.

Includes Vol. VI. For the Year 1671 [No.69-80], containing: A Letter of Mr. Isaac Newton...containing his New Theory about Light and Colors..., No.80, pp.3075-3087, first edition, February 19 1671-2. First printing of Newton's first scientific publication, describing his observations of light using prisms, where he shows that white light is composed of rays of different colours, which can be separated with a prism. The paper is the foundation for most of the subsequent work in optics. Newton sent his ideas in a letter dated February 6th to the secretary of the Royal Society, just in time for it to be published in the next issue of Philosophical Transactions, on February 19th, establishing his reputation.