A very rare work by Isaac Newton discovered in the Ajaccio library

A very rare work by Isaac Newton printed in 1686, Philosophiae naturalis principia mathematica (Mathematical principles of natural philosophy), was discovered in the heritage library of Ajaccio, confirmed Vannina Schirinsky-Schikhmatoff, in charge of conservation and restoration.

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“ By doing research, I realized that it is a work that we are tearing up. There are 400 copies in English and 80 in Latin. The Latin edition sold for $ 3.7 million at an auction organized by Christie's a few years ago and it is this edition that is in the Ajaccio library ”, said the curator.

“ While I was researching a listing concerning the Lucien Bonaparte collection, I saw that there was a Newton. This is the date that challenged me, this book dating from the lifetime of Isaac Newton. While searching well, I therefore found the Grail in the heritage room, lost in the heights, hidden. The exterior is a bit damaged but the interior is in excellent condition. This work is the cornerstone of modern mathematics, ”she continued.

Vannina Schirinsky-Schikhmatoff was already at the origin of the discovery of " Thesaurus Hyeroglyphicorum ", a treatise on Egyptology dating from 1610, 200 years before the deciphering of hieroglyphs by Champollion, in the heritage library reserve. These discoveries give the Ajaccian library, " national influence " according to the curator, who had announced in mid-February that she would leave the library in the background of a conflict with the town hall over the conservation of the works and the place.

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