Introducing Newton's Alchemical Papers

At the beginning of 2004, The Chymistry of Isaac Newton was established at the University of Indiana. Their goals are:

  • to transcribe Newton's alchemical manuscripts
  • to investigate the laboratory techniques of Newton's time
  • to replicate contemporary equipment and experiments

The Chymistry of Isaac Newton operates in close collaboration with us with a view to creating a comprehensive resource that will encompass all aspects of Newton's thought and activity. A full listing of the source material it will make available can be found in the Alchemical Papers section of the Newton Project's online catalogue. Links to the material already available on the Chymistry site are provided below.

Alchemical texts sorted by date

Viewing 1-7 of 7

ALCH00110
[View Record]

Author: Isaac Newton

Title: Notebook containing notes and experimental reports

Shelfmark: MS Add. 3975

Location: Cambridge University Library, Cambridge, UK

ALCH00041
[View Record]

Author: Isaac Newton

Title: Transcript of 'Sr George Ripley His Epistle to K Edward unfolded'

Shelfmark: Keynes Ms. 52

Location: King's College, Cambridge, UK

ALCH00052
[View Record]

Author: Isaac Newton

Title: 'Verses at the end of B[asil] Valentine's mystery of the Microcosm'

Shelfmark: Keynes Ms. 63

Location: King's College, Cambridge, UK

ALCH00081
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Author: Isaac Newton

Title: Two incomplete treatises on the vegetative growth of metals and minerals

Shelfmark: NMAHRB Ms. 1031 B

Location: Dibner Library, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., USA

ALCH00109
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Author: Isaac Newton

Title: Notes evidently on Newton's own laboratory experiments

Shelfmark: MS Add. 3973

Location: Cambridge University Library, Cambridge, UK

ALCH00019
[View Record]

Author: Isaac Newton

Title: 'Index Chemicus'

Shelfmark: Keynes Ms. 30

Location: King's College, Cambridge, UK

ALCH00042
[View Record]

Author: Isaac Newton

Title: 'Of ye first Gate'

Shelfmark: Keynes Ms. 53

Location: King's College, Cambridge, UK

Viewing 1-7 of 7

© 2013 The Newton Project

Professor Rob Iliffe
Director, AHRC Newton Papers Project

Scott Mandelbrote,
Fellow & Perne librarian, Peterhouse, Cambridge

Sponsored by:

  • University of Sussex
  • Arts and Humanities Research Council
  • JISC
  • CORDIS