The Newton manuscripts at the National Library of Israel have been recognized this week by UNESCO as part of its Memory of the World Programme dedicated to preserving documentary heritage that has contributed to the history and development of mankind.

The manuscripts are from the collection of Abraham Shalom Yahuda (1877-1951), an expert in Middle Eastern studies. Professor Yahuda purchased the manuscripts at a public auction at Sotheby’s of London in 1936. They were later donated to the library in the late 1960s.

Contrary to what one might expect to find amid Newton’s works, these papers cover topics including interpretations of the Bible, theology, the history of ancient cultures, the Tabernacle and Temple, calculations dealing with the end of time, historical documents, and even alchemy.

Newton believed that science and faith were inextricably linked, and that God is the author of two books: The book of science and the Holy Book. These two books are the key to understanding the world and its history from the beginning until the end. As embodied in this exquisite collection, Newton enabled physics and theology to live together in perfect harmony.