Abstract
The treatment of pendulum motion in early 18th century Newtonian textbooks is quite different to what we find in today's physics textbooks and is based on presuppositions and mathematical techniques which are not widely used today. In spite of a desire to present Newton's new philosophy of nature as found in his Principia 18th century textbook analysis of pendulum motion appears to owe more to Galileo's insights than to those of Newton. The following case study outlines this analysis and identifies some of its distinctive features as a resource for teachers wishing to refer to this period in the history of science.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Algarotti, F.: 1739, Sir Isaac Newton's Philosophy Explained for the Use of Ladies, (translated by Elizabeth Carter), E. Cave, London.
Clagett, M.: 1959, The Science of Mechanics in the Middle Ages, The University of Wisconsin Press, Madison, WI.
Clagett, M.: 1979, Studies in Medieval Physics and Mathematics, Variorum Reprints, London.
Densmore, D.: 1995, Newton's Principia: The Central Argument, Green Lion Press, Santa Fe, NM.
Desaguliers, J. T.: 1734, A Course in Experimental Philosophy, Volume 1, J. Senex, London.
Desaguliers, J. T.: 1745, A Course in Experimental Philosophy, Volume 2, J. Senex, London.
Dijksterhuis, E. J.: 1961, The Mechanization of the World Picture, Oxford University Press, London.
Galileo, G.: 1590/1960, 'On Motion', in I.E. Drabkin and S. Drake (eds.), Galileo Galilei On Motion and On Mechanics, Universitv of Wisconsin Press, Madison, WI.
Galileo, G.: 1600/1960, 'On Mechanics', in I.E. Drabkin and S. Drake (eds.), Galileo Galilei On Motion and On Mechanics, Universitv of Wisconsin Press, Madison, WI.
Gauld, C.F.: 1998, 'Solutions to the Problem of Impact in the 17th and 18th Centuries and Teaching Newton's Third Law Today', Science & Education 7, 49–67.
Gauld, C.F.: 2002, 'The Treatment of Cycloidal Pendulum Motion in Newton's Principia', Paper presented at the Conference of the International Pendulum Project, Universitv of New South Wales, Sydney, 16–19 October.
Keill, J.: 1720, An Introduction to Natural Philosopkv or Philosophical Lectures read in the University of Oxford Ann. Dom 1700, William & John Innys, London.
Maclaurin, C.: 1748, Philosophical Discussions, Millar & Nourse, London.
Matthews, M. R.: 2000, Time for Science Education: How Teaching the History and Philosophy of Pendulum Motion can Contribute to Science Literacy,Kluwer/Plenum, NewYork.
Musschenbroek, P.: 1744, The Elements of Natural Philosophy. Chiefly Intended for the Use of Students in Universities, (translated by John Colson), J. Nourse, London.
Newton, I.: 1729/1960, The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy, (translated from the third edition by Andrew Motte, revised by Florian Cajori), University of California Press, Berkeley, CA.
Gravesande, J.: 1720, Mathematical Elements of Physicks Prov'd by Experiments: Being an Introduction to Sir Isaac Newton's Philosophy, (translated by J. Keill), G. Strahan, London.
Tom Telescope: 1779, The Newtonian System of Philosophy Adapted to the Capacities of Young Ladies and Gentlemen, Carnan & Newbery, London.
Voltaire, M.: 1738, The Elements of Sir Isaac Newton's Philosophy (translated by John Hanna), Stephen Austen, London.
Yokoyama, M.: 1972, 'Origin of the Experiment of Impact with Pendulums', Japanese Studies in the History of Science 11, 67–72.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Gauld, C. The Treatment of the Motion of a Simple Pendulum in some Early 18th Century Newtonian Textbooks. Science & Education 13, 321–332 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:SCED.0000041824.67420.14
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:SCED.0000041824.67420.14