‎"KRAFT, JENS.‎
‎Betænkninger over Neutons og Cartesii Systemata, tilligemed nye Anmærkninger over Lyset.‎

‎(København, 1747). 4to. In a later half calf binding with gilt lettering to spine. Previous owner's name to pasted down front end-paper. Without wrappers as issued in ""Videnskabernes Selskabs Skrifter, III. Del, 1747"". A nice and clean copy. Pp. 213-296. + 3 engraved plates. ‎

Reference : 61838

‎First edition of one of Kraft's earliest and most important works, being a preliminary study to his seminal ""Forelæsninger over Mekanik"" (1763). It also constitute one of the earliest introductions to Newton in Danish.In 1747, he became a member of the Academy of Sciences, same year as the present thesis was published. Here, he takes a stand in favor of Newton against Descartes, in contrast to his admired teacher C. v. Wolff. Kraft concluded that while the Cartesian system was unreasonable and even inconsistent, Newton's physics perfectly aligned with the most reliable experiences, including the best astronomical observations. Furthermore, the Newtonian system was superior from a methodological standpoint, as it contained fewer hypotheses and was more simple and well-ordered than the Cartesian alternative.‎