Manuscripts

Representation of the gold, and silver coin, upon the lowering Guineas to 21 shi's, report to Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, 1717, September 21

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Description: This manuscript is a handwritten report Newton prepared for the British Treasury. In it, he reviews the price of silver, in proportion to gold, in the various countries of Europe, which is generally slightly higher than in England. This causes the English shillings and plate to be melted down and exported at a profit. To prevent this, Newton proposes to reduce the value of the guinea. Parliament accepted this recommendation and this rate has remained in effect ever since.
Type: Manuscripts(Opens in new tab)
Date: 1717, Sept. 21
Call number: mssHM 76721
Creator: Newton, Isaac (1642-1727)(Opens in new tab)
Provenance: On long term-loan from Babson College's Grace K. Babson Collection of the Works of Sir Isaac Newton, November 2006.
Restrictions: RESTRICTED. Available with curatorial approval. Requires extended retrieval and delivery time.
Dimensions: 34 cm :
Associated organization: Great Britain.
Find out more: View in the Huntington Digital Library(Opens in new tab); View in the Library catalog(Opens in new tab)

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Newton, Isaac, 1642–1727. Representation of the gold, and silver coin, upon the lowering Guineas to 21 shi's
Manuscripts
Most of the manuscripts in this collection came from Sotheby's 1936 Portsmouth sale of Newton's papers. They include correspondence, research notes, and documents, over 30 of which are in Newton's hand. The collection demonstrates the wide range of Newton's activities: his extensive studies of alchemy and theology, his work for the Royal Mint and the Royal Society, as well as his personal records. Highlights include: "A Treatise or Remarks on Solomon's Temple," with commentary and six sketches of plans and architectural details drawn by Newton, "Praxis," considered one of his most important alchemical manuscripts, and an illustrated alchemical text picturing the Philosopher's Stone. Another notable manuscript is "Lib. Chem," Newton's inventory of over 100 alchemical books in his personal library, with shelf marks.
HM 76721