A first-edition copy of Isaac Newton's pioneering book on the three laws of physics has been found on the French island of Corsica.

The document, which became the foundation for modern physics, was discovered in a public library.

Director of conservation at the Fesch public heritage library Vannina Schrinski-Schkhmatoff said she found the copy of the 17th century work whilst studying an index from the library's founder Lucien Bonaparte- one of Napoleon's brothers.

She told Agence France Press this week: "I found the Holy Grail in the main room, hidden in the upper shelves."

"The cover has a little damage but inside it's in excellent condition- this is the cornerstone of modern mathematics."

Newton first published the Latin text, "Philosophia Naturalis Principia Mathematica" (Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy) in 1867.

English translations were published later, but original editions are highly sought after by collectors.

Christie's in New York sold a Latin edition in December 2016 for $3.7million. It is now kept at the Ajaccio Library, also in Corsica.