IDENTITY STATEMENT
Reference code(s): GB 0117 MS/210
Held at: Royal Society
Title: Gregory Papers
Date(s): 1658-1860
Level of description: sub-fonds
Extent: 2 bound albums
Name of creator(s): Gregory | David | 1627-1720 | inventor
Gregory | David | 1661-1708 | astronomer x Gregorie | David
Gregory | James | 1638-1675 | mathematician x Gregorie | James
Gregory | family | scientists x Gregorie | family
CONTEXT
Administrative/Biographical history:
David Gregory of Kinnairdie (1627-1720), inventor, apprenticed by his father to a mercantile house in Holland. Returned in 1655, and succeeded to the estate of Kinnairdie on the death of an older brother. Highly regarded in medicine, having a large gratuitous practice both among the poor, and people of standing. First man in Aberdeenshire to possess a barometer, and his weather forecasts exposed him to suspicions of witchcraft. Moved to Aberdeen and investigated artillery. With help of an Aberdeen watchmaker constructed an improved model of a cannon, forwarding it to his eldest son David , and to Newton, who held it was 'for the diabolical purpose of increasing carnage', and who urged him to break it up.
David Gregorie (1661-1708, FRS 1692), astronomer, son of David Gregory (1627-1720). Professor of Mathematics at Edinburgh University in 1683, first professor to lecture publicly on Newtonian philosophy, enthusiastic promoter of Newton's 'Principia'. In 1691 went to Oxford where introduced to Newton, who became an intimate friend and who with Flamsteed influenced his appointment as Savilian Professor of Astronomy in Oxford. His principal work 'Astronomiae Physicae et Geometricae Elementa' in 1702 was the first text book composed on gravitational principles and remodelling astronomy in conformity with physical theory. Approved by Newton, who had included in it his lunar theory, and for which he wrote a preface. Gregory was a skilful mathematician who left manuscript treatises on fluxions, trigonometry, mechanics and hydrostatics, and who was also known for his printing in 1703 of all the writings attributed, with any show of authority, to Euclid.
James Gregory (1638-1675, FRS 1668) mathematician and elder brother of David Gregory (1627-1708) His scientific talent was discovered and encouraged by his brother, and in 1673 at age 24 he published his 'Optica Promota' containing the first feasible description of a reflecting telescope, his invention of it dating from 1661, and inspiring Newton to make his own reflecting telescope. Studied mathematics in Padua 1664-1667, publishing 'Vera Circuli et Hyperbolae Quadratura' in 1667, showing how to find the areas of the circle, elipse, and hyoerbole by means of converging series, and applying the same new method to calculation of logarithms. Friendly debate with Newton 1672-1673 as to merits of their respective telescopes. From 1674 first exclusively mathematical professor at Edinburgh.
CONTENT
Scope and content/abstract:
Papers of the Gregory family, volume one includes writings by Sir Isaac Newton, friend of David Gregorie, Savilian Professor of Astronomy at Oxford, the volume is entitled 'Notae in Newtonii Principia Mathematica Philosophiae Naturalis' and his 'Theory of the Moon' which was incorporated in the 'Astronomia Physica' published by the Savilian Professor of Astronomy at Oxford; volume two is a volume of letters and papers of the Gregory family, including some papers of Sir Isaac Newton; David Gregorie of Kinnairdie; James Gregorie author of 'Optica Promota'; David Gregorie, Savilian Professor of Geometry at Oxford; James Gregorie Professor of Mathematics at Edinburgh; and Charles Gregory, Professor of Mathematics at Edinburgh University.
ACCESS AND USE
Language/scripts of material: English and Latin
System of arrangement:
Volume One contains papers of Newton; Volume Two contains the papers of the Gregory family members.
Conditions governing access:
Open
Conditions governing reproduction:
No publication without written permission. Apply to Archivist in the first instance.
Physical characteristics:
Finding aids:
Volume Two contains a table of contents, and all the items are catalogued in the Archive card catalogue.
ARCHIVAL INFORMATION
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information:
Accruals:
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ALLIED MATERIALS
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Existence and location of copies:
Related material:
Special Collections, Edinburgh University Library, miscellaneous correspondence and papers, 1683-1708; St Andrews University Library, treatise and lecture notes; Christ Church Archives, Oxford University, notes and tables; University of Toronto Library, papers (copies); Department of Manuscripts and University Archives, Cambridge University Library, letters to Sir Isaac Newton 1684-1702; Manuscript Collections, British Library, letters mainly to Sir Hans Sloane, 1695-1704.
Publication note:
DESCRIPTION NOTES
Note:
Archivist's note: Copied from the Royal Society catalogue by Sarah Drewery.
Date(s) of descriptions: Feb 2009.