Newtonians, The

Synopsis

Examines the influence of Newton on scientific thinking in the 18th century, and the rise of what became known as Newtonianism. Discusses ‘Principia Mathematica’ and ‘Optics’, which gave rise to the view of the universe as a mechanism susceptible to mathematical explanation and the central role of observation and experiment in scientific enquiry. Newtonianism applied these ideas across a very wide field, from academic work and professional science to popular demonstrations and instrument making. Illustrated with 18th-century instruments including astrolabes, telescopes, electrostatic machines, and an Atwood machine designed to measure the effects of gravity.

Series

Rise of Scientific Europe 1500-1800, The: Course As283

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 24 min.

Year of production

1992

Availability

Off-air recording licence
Sale; 1998 sale: £145.00 (+VAT +p&p)

Subjects

Physics

Keywords

history of science; Newton, Isaac; physics theories; Royal Society; scientific instruments

Credits

Producer

Robert Philip

Cast

Andrew Sachs

Production Company

Name

BBC Open University Productions

Distributor

Name

Open University Worldwide

Web

http://www.ouw.co.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

+44 (0) 1908 274066

Address

Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA

Notes

NB. As of May 2016 Open University Worldwide are no longer distributing DVDs. They have posted this message on their website: ‘Unfortunately Open University Worldwide Limited has decided that product sales are no longer viable given the reduced funding to Higher Education institutions and diminishing demand for the products we have traditionally stocked. At present the Open University Students Association (OUSA) will continue to sell the "Good Study Guide", and we are in discussion with other possible distributors to continue to make The Open University’s products available for purchase. As soon as we have any information on other channels of distribution we will update this notice’. Some products are still available via second hand dealers on Amazon.co.uk