AP Success - AP European History: The Scientific Revolution Explored
Issac Newton, The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy, 1687"Since the ancients esteemed the science of mechanics of greatest importance in the investigation of natural things, and the moderns, rejecting substantial forms and occult qualities, have endeavoured to subject the phenomena of nature to the laws of mathematics, I have in this treatise cultivated mathematics as far as it relates to natural philosophy. The ancients considered mechanics in a twofold respect; as rational, which proceeds accurately by demonstration, and practical. To practical mechanics all the manual arts belong, from which mechanics took its name. But as artificers do not work with perfect accuracy, it comes to pass that mechanics is so distinguished from geometry that what is perfectly accurate is called geometrical; what is less so, is called mechanical. However, the errors are not in the art, but in the artificers. He that works with less accuracy is an imperfect mechanic; and if any could work with perfect accuracy he would be the most perfect mechanic of all."
Question 1
Which of the following best reflects the change in scientific thought during the Scientific Revolution as described by Isaac Newton?
The complete abandonment of ancient mechanical sciences in favor of modern chemistry.
The rejection of empirical observation in favor of purely theoretical mathematical models.
The shift from relying on Aristotelian substantial forms and occult qualities to applying mathematical principles to natural phenomena.
The movement towards explaining natural phenomena solely through the use of practical mechanics.
Question 2
According to Isaac Newton, what distinguishes 'mechanical' from 'geometrical'?
The historical period of their development, with 'mechanical' being associated with modern times.
The degree of accuracy with which the work is carried out, with 'geometrical' being more accurate.
The complexity of the theories involved, with 'mechanical' being more complex.
The materials used in the construction of devices, with 'geometrical' using more durable materials.
Question 3
What does Isaac Newton imply about the relationship between practical mechanics and the manual arts?
The manual arts are more accurate and thus superior to practical mechanics.
Practical mechanics is a theoretical discipline that has no relation to the manual arts.
The manual arts are a subset of practical mechanics that focus solely on artistic creation.
Practical mechanics is associated with the manual arts, and the term 'mechanics' originated from there.
Question 4
Newton's discussion of 'errors' in the context of mechanics and artificers suggests which of the following?
The mechanical arts are inherently flawed and incapable of achieving accuracy.
Errors in mechanics are a result of inadequate mathematical knowledge.
Artificers intentionally introduce errors to distinguish their work from that of mathematicians.
The imperfections in mechanical works are due to the limitations of the craftsmen, not the art itself.
Question 5
The passage by Isaac Newton would be most useful to historians analyzing which of the following aspects of the Scientific Revolution?
The impact of the Scientific Revolution on the religious beliefs of European societies.
The integration of mathematics into the study of natural philosophy and the rejection of earlier scientific theories.
The decline of interest in natural philosophy and the rise of practical inventions.
The role of government patronage in the advancement of scientific research during the period.
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