The Axioms of Newtonian Mechanics

Although the laws of Newtonian mechanics are now acknowledged to be only approximately correct, classical mechanics is still the tool used by all save the nuclear physicists and the astronomers. No apology should be needed, therefore, for an investigation of the axioms of Newtonian mechanics. The fact that these axioms are not in exact accord with physical experience does not in any way imply that they cannot be stated clearly, precisely, operationally, and without internal contradiction. It is the aim of this paper to develop an axiom system that meets these standards.