Hall's absorbing survey of modern scholarship interprets Newton's experimental approach to nature. Mathematics was the deepest of Newton's varied interests, unified in his single Christian design to explore God's creation. He cannot be simplified as a Platonist or mystic, but remains a complex, enigmatic genius with an imaginative, commonsensical mind.

The story of Isaac Newton's life and discoveries had been greatly altered by exploration of his huge manuscript legacy during the last thirty to forty years. This research has thrown new light upon both his personality and his intellect. Rupert Hall's discussion of this research shows that Newton cannot simply be explained as a Platonist, mystic, or magus. He remains a complex and enigmatic genius with a mind both immensely imaginative and immensely commonsensical.