Description
Book SynopsisVan Berkel's account provides a new and comprehensive interpretation of the origins of the mechanical philosophy of nature, the philosophy that culminated in the work of Isaac Newton.
Trade ReviewThis is an exceedingly rich book... it should be mandatory reading for anyone interested in the origins of modern science. -- Richard T. W. Arthur HOPOS: The Journal of the International Society for the History of Philosophy of Science Van Berkel has uncovered the rich content and historical significance of Beeckman and his journal. -- Fokko Jan Dijksterhuis Metascience Van Berkel has done an admirable job of recreating Beeckman's life and helping us to understand his development and his place in the progress of science in the seventeenth century. -- Sheila J. Rabin Sixteenth Century Journal A thoroughly researched... study of Beeckman's life and scientific achievements. -- Antonio Clericuzio The British Journal for the History of Science In the present book Van Berkel succeeds in revealing the context as well as the content of Beeckman's life and scholarly work... An important contribution to the history of the new science of the seventeenth century, and is a must for every scholar of this period. Renaissance Quarterly ... Van Berkel's book is an important contribution to our understanding of early modern natural philosophy. Early Science and Medicine
Table of ContentsPreface
Introduction
1. The Making of a Natural Philosopher, 1588–1619
2. Schoolteacher and Craftsman, 1619–1627
3. Among Patricians and Philosophers, 1627–1637
4. Principles of Mechanical Philosophy I: Matter
5. Principles of Mechanical Philosophy II: Motion
6. Sources for a Mechanical Philosophy
7. Beeckman and the Scientific Revolution
Notes
Bibliographic Essay
Index
