The Newtonian physics we learned in school may not be exactly what Newton had in mind: a thorough analysis of the original texts has revealed a “small,” so to speak, translation error that has spanned the centuries, influencing the way we interpret the motion of objects in the universe.
Newtonian Physics, the Discovery That Changes Everything
Daniel Hook, philosopher of language and mathematics of the Virginia Tech, made a surprising discovery in the original texts of Newtonian physics, illustrating it in this study. Imagine this: a single Latin term, neglected for centuries, has ended up calling into question our interpretation of one of the fundamental principles of physics. What is it? I promise, I won't drag this out: I'll go in order, but quickly.
In 1729, the first English translation of the Principia di Newton contained what Hoek calls a “clumsy mistranslation.” The Latin word “quatenus,” meaning “insofar as,” was mistranslated as “unless.” A seemingly insignificant nuance that actually shaped centuries of scientific understanding.
with his manuscript corrections for the second edition, now preserved in the Wren Library at Trinity College, Cambridge.
The true meaning of the first principle
Newtonian physics, as we know it, suggests that an object maintains its uniform rectilinear motion until an external force intervenes. But according to Hoek, Newton he meant something different: he meant to say that every change in the motion of a body (every jolt, every deflection, every acceleration) is due to external forces.
The spinning top is one of the concrete examples that Newton himself used to illustrate his first law. It is fascinating how this simple object, slowing down in an ever-tightening spiral due to air friction, demonstrates the real-world application of the law.
Beyond semantics
As it observes George Smith, philosopher of the Tufts University and well versed in Newton's writings, “the whole point of the first law is to deduce the existence of force.” It is not a question of describing an impossible ideal case, but of understanding how forces govern all motion in the universe.
The reinterpretation proposed by Hoek highlights one of the most revolutionary concepts of Newtonian physics: planets, stars and celestial bodies are governed by the same physical laws that act on the Earth. An idea that at the time of Newton it was absolutely revolutionary.
Newtonian Physics: The Weight of Translation Versus Tradition
The correction of this historical interpretation may be slow to make headway. As Hoek himself admits, some consider his reading too unconventional, while others find it so obvious as to be unquestionable. But historical accuracy has its value.
Newtonian physics, correctly interpreted, reminds us that for Newton Every change in velocity and every change in direction (from atoms to galaxies) is governed by the same fundamental laws. I like to think that this deeper understanding makes us feel even more connected to the farthest corners of the space.
Ultimately, this rediscovery of Newtonian physics teaches us something else important: even the truths we take for granted deserve to be reexamined. Science progresses not only through new discoveries, but also through a deeper understanding of its past. And sometimes, a single word is enough to open new horizons of understanding.
