Newton's Principia Manuscript - Objectivity 100

One of the greatest treasures in science - Isaac Newton's "Principia" - was nearly thwarted by a book about fish.
Royal Society head librarian Keith Moore and explains to Brady Haran.
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Films by James Hennessy and Brady Haran
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[@naszfluckah7314]

"Today we have one of the crown jewels of the Royal Society collection ... Keith!"

[@ole781]

Lord issac Newton Master of names and atoms, Ideas and philosophy. The gatekeeper to the scientific method and inventor of something greater then himself... Long may he raign💡

[@openshores4288]

LOL thinking the same during introduction

[@pedroscoponi4905]

For the 100th, we have the entire foundation of modern maths, an important cornerstone of classic physics, an absurdly important piece of history, and a book about fish.

[@Garbaz]

"the entire foundation of modern maths" - NO, not at all! In fact, Newtons mathematics were rather irrelevant. Sure this book was great, but barely relevant for mathematics. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Newton#Mathematics)

[@keet111]

Not sure why you linked that wiki article, it doesn't support your conclusion in the slightest. Although there were people before Newton who helped develop the field of calculus such as Kepler, its a big stretch of the history to suggest that Isaac Newton's mathematics were irrelevant. As the wiki explains, while the first book of the Principia was created almost entirely using his fluxions, he chose to couch his new math in the older analytic methods of the ancient geometers. This was done partly to pay homage to the giants upon whose shoulders he stood (Pythagoras, Euclid, ect.) as well as make sure that only the handful of other mathematicians close to his proficiency could understand. Unfortunately for him this plan backfired and caused a whole lot of headaches for him during the dispute with Leibniz over the priority of discovery.

[@Garbaz]

David W The wiki article was something for the commenter to read before writing dumb comments for cheap likes. It wasn't intended to make or support any point. About calculus: There is no doubt he invented calculus. But Leibniz did as well, and it's his version and notation we use today. By no means do I question Newtons brilliance, the fact that he invented calculus (as well) or that his maths was excellent and complicated, but neither does today's calculus nor most of mathematics depend on his work. *The point being, that I was annoyed by the fact that the top comment was a plainly uninformed and empty praise.*

[@pedroscoponi4905]

Wait, top comment? Holy sh*t, I was just doing a bit of stupid Arson, Murder and Jaywalking for giggles '-' you people should be giving top comments to who promotes intelectual conversation, not me! XD

[@RonJohn63]

The fish book was probably more important than you realize, since it would indicate "this is a fish, not a sea serpent".

[@BoboDoboRobo]

Man I'd be fuming if my salary was paid in fish books

[@ole781]

BoboDoboRobo same😂

[@jmiquelmb]

I mean, the Principia looks nice, but I bet they could have printed at least 5 more fish books with the money they used for it.

[@brandonhall6084]

I'm surprised that payment in fish books never really caught on.

[@panthershockey4453]

yes enough of this newton character, let's get back the real royal society gem which is fish books

[@ky-gp4sz]

jmiquelmb I'd buy a reprint of the fish book collection

[@MrAntieMatter]

Objectivity 100! And 100,000 subscribers! Get ready for another silver play button, Brady! :D

[@AJ-kj1go]

Brady should get knighted... and ride around on a toy horse like in Monty Python.

[@saismrti]

Brilliant!! My idol, Newton, I feel lucky to see these original works. Despite traveling to UK for 25 years, I never got a chance to see these, though I saw many other places of history. Thanks, guys for a priceless video.. Love from India!!

[@bulman07]

I visited the Royal Society on Friday, but of all the days, most of it was closed for a function/staff Christmas dinner/other. I was allowed to look around the astronomy exhibition on the lower ground floor, and the bits around the entrance, including the Mace from Charles II! That was my favourite, but hiding around the corner was a chest with an NFC tag on the wall above it. When I touched the tag, it opened up Objectivity #33 Treasure Chests! Imagine my surprise and delight from not initially recognising the chest.

[@justanormalyoutubeuser3868]

This was amazing! I can't imagine a more important book to the history of human thought, such an incredible collection of human knowledge! By the way Newton's Principia was cool as well.

[@hareecionelson5875]

Is no-one going to mention that THE Joseph Raphson borrowed Flamsteed's copy, The same Raphson who simplified the notation of Newton's method of approximating roots, henceforth known as the Newton-Raphson method

[@Melthornal]

Sad that the book of fishes has become such an image of bureaucratic failure, the book seems quite nice. It isn't the book or author's fault this all happened. They got caught in the crossfire.

[@johnallardyce4164]

3:35 "Fifty book of the fishes instead of the fifty pounds" (wage), classic piece of trolling by the Royal Society :D

[@Varksterable]

I'm just guessing, but I strongly suspect a book of fishes today would be worth more than a pound. Even allowing for inflation. A sound investment.

[@captainufo4587]

The best investment ever. He only has to find out a way to survive for three and a half centuries to collect it, but very sound.

[@911gpd]

Wow, I believe I should ask an artist to make such a flamboyant drawing for the first page of my PhD. It would immediately catch the attention of the jury (i guess it's the right translation, english isn't my native language)

[@rewrose2838]

How did your PhD go?

[@andrewkepert923]

What a way to bring up the century. After a nervous wobble on 99, a well-timed off-drive brings up the ton for Haran. He raises his bat to the crowd and salutes the dressing room. 100 not out and it looks like this partnership with Moore has a long way to go.

[@sillysausage4549]

5 years late... but congratulations on confusing anyone who doesn't follow cricket!

[@pavphone2616]

100th episode for 100000 subscribers. Congratulations!

[@TheTruthSentMe]

The fish books story made me laugh so hard. Great one!

[@MrNoFaultz]

All this time I was pronouncing it as "Prinsipia"

[@fatsamcastle]

MrNoFaultz that's alright, I've always pronounced it Haley's comet.

[@smaakjeks]

It's Latin. Nobody *knows* how it's pronounced in the original tongue.

[@LMacNeill]

And I always thought it was pronounced prinCHipia, with a 'ch' sound, like that in the word 'choose', for example. Smaakjeks K has a point -- no one truly knows exactly how it's pronounced today, since Latin is a dead language.

[@lolligerjoj1]

I was tought (in my latin course in school) that both pronounciations can be correct. Not sure if the name of this book is a special case though. At least I don't think so.

[@byyVogue]

yes both can be correct, because nobody knows if the c was pronounced like an s or a k

[@AxcelleratorT]

Brady, this is the best 8 minutes of video uploaded to KZbin all month! Congratulations on 100 episodes!

[@PhotonicCrystal1]

This is excellent. Sir Isaac Newton's work is magnificent!

[@PickledAxe]

This channel deserves so much more viewers!

[@erlandodk]

Best object yet! The importance and value of Principia cannot be overstated. What a way to celebrate 100 episodes and 100.000 subscribers. Keep up the good work.

[@Cold_Ham_on_Rye]

What a great way to do episode 100. I've watched this series from the beginning and I have loved it the whole time. Heres to episode 104 and two full years of objectivity.

[@MayfieldReynolds]

Amazing video, Brady! The importance of Principia to our modern world really can't be overstated. It's so cool that you got to flip through the manuscript!

[@GrantHancock1407]

Congratulations on 100 episodes ! Keep up the great work guys :)

[@alanmellerick]

Well done Brady, Keith & team - I love Objectivity, this was a fantastic episode!

[@ericdepagne]

I am surprised to see you're handling the book with your bare hands. I always thought that it damages the old paper.

[@PrachurjyaBiswasTheGeek]

This is so Good. Congrats Objectivity on 100 episodes. I have been waiting for somebody to talk about "Principia MAthematica"and here we are. Thank You so much.

[@tibernutnull6046]

Love the show, thank you for everything you do. Here's to another 100!

[@hesgrant]

What an incredible object. Perfect for the 100th episode, here's to hundreds more! Awesome channel, kudos Keith, Brady, and James.

[@princesadegreyskull]

100 episodes.What a wonderful ride.

[@seamusandpat]

Brilliant episode. I am looking forward to another 100 episodes of Objectivity!

[@MrPhred]

Congratulations on Episode 100. What a great object to celebrate.

[@itechflagstaff]

Congratulations on your 100th video! I'm looking forward to many, many more.

[@jroemling]

Congrats to 100.000 subscribers! Finally! This channel is well worth it!

[@culwin]

I propose we switch to a worldwide fish-book-based economy.

[@every1pro]

why would they do that lol?

[@rudyardkipling7181]

A very merry Newtonmas to all at Objectivity (and it's fans), what fantastic work you do, and this is the best IMHO, I have tears of joy in my eyes.

[@stephanienielsen628]

100th I have watched everyone and I am proud to say that they never got boring or diminished. I am going to be going to the Royal Society in March. Sooooooo excited to go and look at some of the stuff that you have discussed.

[@MarcCoteMusic]

Congratulations, Brady, on finally reaching 100, 000 subscribers for Objectivity.

[@PinkChucky15]

Great video as usual. Congrats on 100 episodes!! :-D

[@ObjectivityVideos]

+PinkChucky15 cheers

[@damianvila]

That was AMAZING! 😮 If I could see "Principia" with my own eyes I would be overwhelmed by emotion...

[@gregga1973]

Awesome work and look forward to (hopefully) one hundred more!

[@UnPuntoCircular]

Beautiful Brady. Thank you for these videos.

[@johnnyq1992]

Awesome Brady and Keith! Stoked for the next 100!

[@incollectio]

Congratulations on the excellent 100 episodes! I hope to see hundreds more. :) I remember first subscribing when the very first teaser came out, and have watched every episode since. The channel is truly a cultural gem. Keep up the priceless work! :)

[@RingoLombardi]

A first edition got sold for $3.7m last week.

[@ObjectivityVideos]

+Mark O'Leary imagine what the manuscript must be worth?

[@FoxDren]

only 3.5 mil? would think a book of fishes would be worth atleast 4 mil

[@ky-gp4sz]

Ascdren I'd love a book of fish

[@pekkariihonen8944]

@@ObjectivityVideos Lotsa money or not lotsa money

[@helmut666kohl]

@@EaterOfBaconSandwiches I wonder how much one with Halleys' signature would sell for :-) And a little inscription like "I discovered a comet and all I got was 70 fish books"

[@DustinRodriguez1_0]

Yeah, I could not imagine a better subject for the 100th episode than the Principia... one of the most important objects of human history without doubt.

[@kristopherpoulsen653]

The pictures in the fish book were so expensive that they needed to start a... Platereon. *crickets*

[@TimmacTR]

That was a treat. Thanks!!

[@micahellis5849]

Really great episode! Can't wait to see what you have in store for episode #200 haha

[@DominikRoszkowski]

Brady and all the team, thank you very very very much for this awesome series. Please, keep up the good work and spread this beautiful interest in science. Have a good Christmas and happy new year :)

[@GraniteValleyDave]

Fascinating video One of my favourites for sure. Congrats on 100k subscribers!

[@hilasdad9148]

This channel deserves at least a couple of million subs.

[@philipclapper268]

Congratulations on 100 episodes and 100,000 subscribers!

[@JM-co6rf]

I would find the smell in there is very inspiring. i could always think most clearly when I was alone in an old library

[@thundercrust1934]

100th episode and 100k subscribers! That's special.

[@randramb]

Coincides beautifully with 100k subs too! Amazing work as always Brady.

[@BurakBagdatli]

I've read parts of it from the scans but this is amazing.

[@grieske]

This is an awesome episode of objectivity!

[@SteveExH]

I'm glad that I've subscribed to this channel when it was noted on Numberphil, so I can witness the 100th episode now. keep up the good work!

Ah Keith and Brady never disappoints :)

[@JamyRyals]

What an episode! Hand written principia, remarkable piece of history.

[@Pile_of_carbon]

Excellent choice for ep. 100. I can't wait to see the next 100 episodes. =)

[@ylvakiller]

Congratz on 100 episodes!! here is to 100 more!

[@dougm2174]

That's one hell of 100th episode. Congratulations

[@danielsgrunge]

It's wild to see hand written from these guys cause its almost like we forget they were people

[@pbp6741]

Amazing. Enjoy this channel so much.

[@Julia-pd4ci]

Congratulations, thank you for all these awesome videos!

[@KeyMan137]

I love Keith! So much knowledge! Great find!

[@fatsamcastle]

This is pretty special.

[@Hotmedal]

That's Joseph Raphson ofthe Newton-Raphson method!

[@keet111]

Raphson was also the person who coined the term "pantheist", fun fact

[@JeroenBaxexm]

congrats on the 100th episode! Awesome subject as well!

[@resbalonso]

Congratulations! Here's to another 100!

[@AaronHollander314]

Incredible. I am at a loss for words.

[@Rigel34085]

That was a great episode. You guys are awesome. Thanks for the great videos.

[@griffinm4989]

Congrats on 100k sub Brady! You deserve it!

[@piperisle9674]

Very nice objects to finish off your first 100 episodes. I hope to see 100 more!

[@randymcsmash]

awesome, what an honour it must have been to see that for real

[@francescamele8077]

This video is so, so, cool. Can't wait to get the occasion to show it to my History of Science Professor :)

[@vesteel]

Wow! Congratulations on 100k subs (and 100th Episode!) Is this an early Christmas Present?

[@Antonio-bv6xb]

Congratulations for the 100th episode and the 100,000 subscribers.

[@cameronsipka3352]

the book of fishes was a wonderful set up. great 100th episode!

[@yogsenforfoth5948]

This was absolutely fascinating. Really cool stuff!

[@TheAcenightcreeper]

I am sad this channel took me so long to find, being an avid fan of Numberphile, along with periodic channel. Please keep these videos coming, I find them highly entertaining and educational, very fun guys and great work!

[@ObjectivityVideos]

+TheAcenightcreeper well glad you're here now and hope you've caught the back catalogue.

[@josecasillas4081]

I came to see about the fish books. Cornerstones of fish history. Simply amazing.

[@charliespinoza1966]

Jaw droppingly awesome!!!

[@quantumnaught]

Congrats on 100 episodes!

[@kunalgude9348]

More silver buttons Brady !! Congrats !!

[@mattk8440]

Wow and also 100k subs. Congrats Brady!

[@ozdergekko]

Brady, let me take this special video as an opportunity to thank you for all your wonderful videos. Also, Congratulations for 100k. Have a merry Christmas and a good 2017 Peter (from Vienna)

[@Oxtorayk]

easily the best channel on youtube ever.

[@ObjectivityVideos]

We'll take that!

[@kaiplue]

AWESOME 100th Episode!!!

[@flymypg]

Bravo Brady! Congrats to you and all who enter your camera's field of view and all who work behind the scenes. Your videos encompass virtually all the presentation techniques I see on KZbin: Off-camera interviewer, on-camera interviewer, interlocutor, presenter, talking-head, and the list goes on, ending with being "just" the cameraman, knowing when to let your subject run free. When I started toying with the idea of making my own channel on a topic I care deeply about, the first question I had to ask myself was what "kind" of channel did I want? I've been gnawing on it for over a year, and finally hit the obvious end-point: WWBD? What Would Brady Do? The initial answer echoed in my mind: "Take a blasted videography class, dammit!" Any chance you'll produce your own videography class?

[@DarthTwilight]

I wish I could find my copy of the Principia. It's such an awesome book.

[@AldoOjeda]

I would have cried tears of excitement by seing the manuscript!

[@enricomachado881]

Aaaahhh, I love this channel!!!!

[@avivashisht2237]

Congrats on 100k Subscribers (well 100,163 Subscribers as I comment now) and the 100th episode! :)

[@kingofcobwebs]

The original Principia Mathematica _manuscript?_ Sheesh, I would have been nervous, too! That would feel like meeting Thom York, Harrison Ford _and_ my girlfriend's parents all at the same time, to me. That was perfect for episode #100, thanks for sharing mate!

[@arcanics1971]

Happy centenary,guys and what a great choice of object for it!

[@aleclamoreaux314]

I love this channel so much

[@ObjectivityVideos]

same here :) - don't forget to tell your friends about us!

[@anthonysnell4832]

Wonderful video. I'm a great fan of this channel and numberphile.

[@eyescovered]

Here's to another 100!

[@dirfgiS]

Very interesting video, its always so cool to see the work of the geniuses of the past and ponder about the significance they have acquired, centuries after their very deaths.

[@keet111]

simontay1984 I'm writing my thesis on newton, and while i certainly agree he isn't fully appreciated by history, the book is mostly diagrams, lemmas, and definitions concerning the calculation of planetary orbits, not sure how practical that is for the everyday Joe blow these days.