Leighton Library, Dunblane

Scotland's oldest purpose-built independent library founded in 1687

Leighton Library has 1733 edition of "Observations upon the prophecies of Daniel, and the Apocalypse of St. John" by Sir Isaac Newton

Added at 07:18 on 05 July 2025

#OnThisDay 5 July 1687 "Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica" by Sir Isaac Newton (widely recognised as one of the most influential scientists of all time) was published.

The Leighton Library has a 1733 edition of his "Observations upon the prophecies of Daniel, and the Apocalypse of St. John" in which Newton expressed his belief that Bible prophecy would not be understood “until the time of the end” (he believed the world could end in 2060, though he also had many other possible dates including 2034). Newton may not have been referring to these dates as to when the world would be destroyed, but instead he believed the world was to be replaced with a new one based upon a transition to an era of divinely inspired peace.

This book delves into the intersection of theology and science in the 17th century revealing Newton's analytical skills, religious beliefs & rigorous investigation in dissecting the prophetic texts found in the Bible, applying his scientific knowledge to theological questions.

< Leighton Library has 1776 edition of "The American atlas” by Major Holland & Thomas Jefferys