Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction Galileo Newton First Editions and Scientific Revolution
Sotheby’s is preparing to sell a collection of very old and important science books and manuscripts.
The auction will take place in New York on 20 October.
The collection shows how scientists changed ideas about Earth, space, motion and gravity.
Euclid’s book helped establish how mathematical books were printed.
Galileo’s book describes his telescope observations, including Jupiter’s four moons.
Kepler’s work explains that planets travel around the Sun in oval-shaped paths.
Newton’s books and handwritten notes show how he developed ideas about motion and gravity.
People can view the collection publicly before the auction, and another part will be sold in December.
Sotheby’s will auction rare scientific works in New York on 20 October.
The single-owner sale includes first editions by Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler and Newton.
Newton’s handwritten manuscript contains calculations linked to his Principia.
Highlights include Euclid’s first printed Elements and Galileo’s Sidereus Nuncius.
A public exhibition will run from 12 to 20 October, with a second sale planned for December.
- Who
- Sotheby’s, offering works by Euclid, Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler and Isaac Newton.
- What
- A collection of rare scientific books and manuscripts will be exhibited and auctioned.
- When
- The auction is scheduled for 20 October; the exhibition runs from 12 to 20 October, with another sale in December.
- Where
- The exhibition and auction will be held at the Breuer, Sotheby’s New York headquarters on Madison Avenue.
- Why
- The collection documents major developments in astronomy, mathematics and physics during the scientific revolution.
- Auction title
- Reason and Revolution: Extraordinary Works from a Distinguished Private Collection
- Auction date
- 20 October
- Exhibition dates
- 12–20 October
- Location
- The Breuer, Sotheby’s New York headquarters on Madison Avenue
- Featured manuscript
- Isaac Newton’s handwritten calculations linked to his Principia
- October highlights
- First editions and rare works by Euclid, Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler and Newton
- Additional sale
- A second sale focused on the founding of the American nation is planned for December