Sir Isaac Newton's Earliest Notes: Inside the Scientist's Pocket Notebook | Collection in Focus

Long before becoming one of the most celebrated figures in the history of science, Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) kept this pocket-sized memorandum book, filling it with notes distilled from his reading. The small, vellum-bound manuscript bears some of Newton’s earliest writing, dating to the end of his grammar school days and start of his university career at Trinity College, Cambridge, long before he would become one of the greatest scientists of the 17th century during the Scientific Revolution The notebook offers a precious window into Newton’s early life and mind. Philip Palmer, Robert H. Taylor Curator and Department Head, Literary and Historical Manuscripts, takes a close look at this testament to Newton's intellectual curiosity.
Newton’s pocket memorandum book is part of The Morgan Library & Museum’s permanent collection in New York City.

[@jimgordon6629]

Very touching! The Morgan Library has so many amazing things. Old J.P. might have been a scary person, but he knew quality when he saw it, and he left us with a real treasure that too few people appreciate.

[@laranpadduman2780]

That flipping of the notebook and writing from the other end (thus getting 2 notebooks in one) is ingenious. Gotta try that

[@adeeb1787]

Everyone does that with their school notebooks.

[@laranpadduman2780]

@@adeeb1787 sadly not in our country

[@RaraAvis2025]

All of all the wonderful materials but why do these people never handle with the utmost caution, is totally mind blowing ..

[@AmandaConocido]

Wow, I love the idea of writing down words that means or stands out a bit.

[@rubycorman469]

So interesting ! Thank you for sharing this with us .

[@antiquesmag]

So well produced . . .

[@melizen2]

Thank you -

[@kirboba]

newton's field notes

[@NapoleanBuonaparte]

spiritual experience

[@belleringr6377]

🙂

[@trenetae]

I think he should be wearing some gloves or something

[@MunsonLung1]

I had to wear gloves while shopping for books published in the mid 1800's. Newton's notebook is one-of-a-kind and should be handled with gloves and great care. The oil and sweat in your palms destroy the fragile paper!!

[@RaraAvis2025]

I am so shocked ive seen the same thing , from this studies of these materials and none of these people wear gloves this should be highly illegal , unreal . How to handle the beauty of all of historical wonderful writings.

[@nithilanr]

As long as you handle it carefully, it's not a problem. Often, this oil is beneficial for the leather and overall book which requires handling.

[@thekingofadventure4168]

It shouldn't be touched except very important people

[@Lennylj1000]

Why no white gloves?

[@lesterchua2677]

Is the thumbnail the picture of barehands handling a rare notebook? That person should be fired, use a glove, DO NOT handle rare books with bare hands unless you want to destroy them.

[@nirv]

Maybe they should scan it and upload the digital copy so it won't be lost?

[@leaderunith4l324]

Gloves are only necessary in specific situations when it comes to archiving, when it comes to handling a small, delicate book like Newton’s, it would be best to use clean, dry hands, as you’d keep a delicate sense of touch that you’d loose with gloves, plus cotton gloves might catch on the paper and cause tears or abrasions