Cursory remarks on some parts of a work, entitled Studies of nature ; originally written by M. de Saint Pierre, and translated into English by ... Henry Hunter / [William Cole].

  • Cole, William, active 1807.
Date:
1807
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Cursory remarks on some parts of a work, entitled Studies of nature ; originally written by M. de Saint Pierre, and translated into English by ... Henry Hunter / [William Cole]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    12/80 (page 4)
    To enter minutely into the examination of every subject contained in this celebrated work, would very far exceed the limits of our plan; it is sufficient, therefore, to point out, and endea¬ vour to correct, some of the most prominent errors, and to subjoin a few such remarks as naturally arise from them. The author of the Studies of Nature, seems to have mistaken the ground upon which the Newtonian philosophy is erected. This he ascribes to the authority of its supporters, or to the re¬ putation of Newton himself. In his advertise¬ ment [Page IX. Vol. I.] he says, “ The au¬ thority of great names, serves but as strong hold to error. It is thus that on the faith of a Maupertuis, or of a Condamine, Europe has till now believed, that the earth was flattened at the poles.5’ “ For my own part, I am perfect¬ ly convinced, that Newton himself would, at this day, renounce such an erroneous opinion.” And farther on [Page XIV.] he tells us that “ Mo¬ dern Astronomers have, in their turn, suffered themselves to be seduced by the reputation of Newton.” These assertions are evidently errone¬ ous. Tbe philosophy of Sir Isaac Newton is founded in fact, and supported by demonstration;