Review of Sarah Dry's 'The Newton Papers. The Strange and True Odyssey of Isaac Newton’s Manuscripts', Historia mathematica, vol. 43 (2016), pp. 342-5. (original) (raw)

This review examines Sarah Dry's book, 'The Newton Papers,' which explores the journey of Isaac Newton's manuscripts from the 18th century to their current locations. The review highlights the complexities around the reception and interpretation of Newton's work, particularly in relation to his moral and intellectual legacy, and discusses the various individuals involved in the preservation and study of these papers. It underscores the impact of societal expectations on the perception of scientists and encourages readers to reflect on how historical narratives are shaped.