Skip to main content

Primary sourceBook1922 edition (original text earlier)

Sir Isaac Newton's Daniel and the Apocalypse

Isaac Newton · 1922 edition (original text earlier)

A 1922 edition of Newton's commentary on the biblical books of Daniel and Revelation, showing his religious studies.

This is Newton's own commentary on biblical prophecy, showing a lesser-known side of his intellectual life.

Ask Isaac Newton about this sourceView the original(opens in new tab)
Full text (Internet Archive)

About this source

What it is

This book presents Newton's own writings on the Bible's Book of Daniel and the Apocalypse (Revelation), published in this edition in 1922 with an introductory study by Sir William Whitla. The original commentary was written by Newton himself.

Why it matters

Newton is remembered mainly for his work in mathematics and physics, but he also spent much time studying religious texts and prophecy. This work shows that side of his life, revealing how scientists of his era often combined scientific and religious inquiry rather than treating them as separate.

Look closer

  • Why might a famous scientist have also studied biblical prophecy?
  • How does this book change or add to your picture of Newton?
  • What does the dedication at the front of this edition tell you about its publisher's purpose?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Isaac Newton on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

More Isaac Newton sources

Meet the AI Isaac Newton →
Title page of the 1687 first edition of Newton's Principia. Large capitals read PHILOSOPHIÆ NATURALIS PRINCIPIA MATHEMATICA, with author credit, Imprimatur by S. Pepys, dated Julii 5, 1686, and London printing by Josephi Streater, Anno MDCLXXXVII.Book

Primary source

Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica

Isaac Newton · 1687

Title page with a page number marked [1] at top, reading PHILOSOPHIAE NATURALIS Principia MATHEMATICA, followed by the heading Definitiones and Def. I, with a Latin definition of quantity of matter in italic type. Faint bleed-through text from the reverse page is visible.Book

Primary source

Principia Mathematica, Page 1: Definitions

Isaac Newton · 1687

Black-and-white line engraving of an elderly man with long, wavy white hair seated in a dark armchair, wearing a dark coat, waistcoat, and white cravat, with his hands resting on his knee. A column appears at the right. Inscribed beneath: 'ISAACUS NEWTON EQ. AUR. ÆT. 83', with 'I. Vanderbank pinxit 1725' at lower left and 'Geo. Vertue Sculpsit 1726' at lower right.Painting

Primary source

Sir Isaac Newton, line engraving by Vertue, 1726

George Vertue · 1726

Engraved diagram on a cream page within a book, showing a curved comet path from Sol at left, with dated positions such as Nov. 25, Dec. 12, Jan. 5 and Mar. 5, labeled orbit lines and a sphere intersection line.Document

Primary source

Principia Mathematica, Fold-out Diagram

Isaac Newton · 1687

Engraved portrait of Sir Isaac Newton, a man with long curled wig and dark robe, bust-length, against a shaded background. Caption below reads 'SIR ISAAC NEWTON' and publisher 'William Collins Glasgow & London'.Painting

Primary source

Sir Isaac Newton, stipple engraving by J. Scott after Kneller, 1702

J. Scott, after Sir Godfrey Kneller · 1702 (print made later)

Ready when you are

Start chatting with Isaac Newton now.

20 messages free · No credit card · Available in 50+ languages.

Trial Humy for freeGet a quote for institutions