Lost Fish Book Nearly Stalled Newton’s ‘Principia’ – A Tale of Science, Funding & Forgotten History
London, UK – August 2, 2025 – A fascinating historical near-miss has come to light, revealing how a commercially unsuccessful 17th-century natural history book on fish almost prevented the publication of Isaac Newton’s groundbreaking Principia Mathematica. The story, unearthed from historical records, highlights the often-precarious financial foundations of scientific advancement and offers a compelling glimpse into the world of early scientific societies.
The Ambitious Project: Ray & Willughby’s Natural History
In the mid-17th century, British naturalists John Ray and Francis Willughby embarked on an ambitious project to reform the study of natural history. Driven by a desire to move beyond folklore and inaccurate descriptions, they meticulously collected specimens, conducted observations, and compiled detailed records. Their work culminated in Historia Piscium (History of Fish), a lavishly illustrated volume intended to revolutionize the understanding of aquatic life. Ray, after the untimely death of Willughby, completed the work as a tribute to his friend.
A Pioneer’s Definition & the Royal Society’s Investment
Ray’s approach was remarkably modern for its time. He moved away from simplistic definitions of fish – “any animal that lives in the water” – and instead focused on key morphological characteristics: skinless skin and fins, the absence of feet, and an inability to survive long out of water. This allowed him to correctly exclude creatures like crocodiles and hippos from the fish category. The Royal Society of London, a newly formed organization dedicated to “natural philosophy” (what we now call science), heavily invested in the project, recognizing its potential. They funded the creation of 189 exquisite engravings, hoping to replicate the success of Basilius Besler’s earlier botanical masterpiece, Hortus Eystettensis.
The Unexpected Roadblock: A Sales Disaster
Despite the high quality of the illustrations and the intellectual rigor of the work, Historia Piscium was a resounding commercial failure. Priced at around $270 (in today’s money), it proved too expensive for most buyers. The Royal Society was left with a mountain of unsold copies, eventually resorting to using them as a form of currency to cover debts. This financial strain had a direct and almost catastrophic consequence: the Society lacked the funds to support the publication of another, far more significant work.
Newton’s ‘Principia’ on the Brink
At the same time the fish book was floundering, Isaac Newton was finalizing his Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy (Principia Mathematica), a work that would fundamentally change our understanding of the universe. Halley, instrumental in encouraging Newton to publish, had secured a commitment from the Royal Society to fund the project. However, with the Society’s coffers depleted by the Historia Piscium debacle, that commitment was in jeopardy. Halley ultimately had to dip into his own considerable fortune – inherited from his soap-manufacturing family – to ensure Principia saw the light of day.
A Cautionary Tale & Lasting Legacy
The story of the forgotten fish book serves as a potent reminder that scientific progress isn’t solely driven by brilliance; it’s also heavily reliant on funding and, sometimes, sheer luck. Had Historia Piscium been a success, Newton’s masterpiece might have faced significant delays, or even been unpublished altogether. While Ray’s work may not have achieved widespread acclaim, it remains a valuable resource for historians of science and a testament to the dedication of early naturalists. Today, the principles laid out in Principia Mathematica continue to underpin our understanding of physics and astronomy, a legacy secured thanks to a fortunate intervention and a surprisingly impactful fish book. The incident also underscores the importance of diverse funding streams for scientific research, a lesson that remains relevant in the 21st century, especially as we navigate the complexities of securing support for groundbreaking discoveries.
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