ABSTRACT
Our aim is to study the general problem of conceptual innovation by examining Newton's introduction of the concepts of ‘force’ and ‘mass’. It could first be asked, however: ‘Is this example of conceptual innovation a genuine one? Did notsome idea of “force” and “mass” exist before Newton?’ Wellof course some idea of these concepts didexist but very little, so that the example isa surprisingly good one. We can appeal to the authority of Mach on this point. He says (1883, p.236):
