“Bussotti has made a determined effort to convey its technical content in both the published and unpublished sources. His book will be a standard source for understanding ethereal physics and the reception of Newton's dynamics at the end of the seventeenth century. The fascination of the material is evident in the detailed exposition provided by the author. The book also breaks welcome new ground in documenting the influence of Kepler on Leibniz.” (Craig G. Fraser, Mathematical Reviews, May, 2016)
The Complex Itinerary of Leibniz’s Planetary Theory
Physical Convictions, Metaphysical Principles and Keplerian Inspiration
von Paolo BussottiThis book presents new insights into Leibniz’s research on planetary theory and his system of pre-established harmony. Although some aspects of this theory have been explored in the literature, others are less well known. In particular, the book offers new contributions on the connection between the planetary theory and the theory of gravitation. It also provides an in-depth discussion of Kepler’s influence on Leibniz’s planetary theory and more generally, on Leibniz’s concept of pre-established harmony. Three initial chapters presenting the mathematical and physical details of Leibniz’s works provide a frame of reference. The book then goes on to discuss research on Leibniz’s conception of gravity and the connection between Leibniz and Kepler.
