How did Newton come up with one earth-shattering theory after another? Well, a love of mechanics and optics spurred him on, but his predecessors certainly set the stage. See how.

• Bell, Arthur E. Newtonian Science. London: Edward Arnold Ltd, 1961.
  • An historical work about how Newton synthesizes information from prior scientists to get to his Principia. A bit of a whirlwind of a read, as it is only 170 pages, and it covers a lot of different influences and scientists, from Aristotle on up.
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• Westfall, Richard S. Force in Newton's Physics. London: Macdonald, 1971.
  • Historical work about the discoveries of Newton's time and how they affected his work. It is a huge history of how he arrived at his ideas, and seems an ok read. Begins with Galileo and Descartes and ends up with Newton (obviously). Big book, though. 579 Pages.