Is it technically possible to implement a physics lib e.g. Newton?

I don't want to say no, because I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure that with the current engine, it is highly unlikely, but it may be possible with one of the open source engines being built for morrowind.

Technically possible in theory, but highly unlikely, as matilija said. Also, Newton is one of the worst physics libs around, especially as far as speed and the API, it's not a viable choice (Bullet/Havok/PhysX would be).

But yes, technically, it could be done. You'd probably start by tracking NIF file access, load physics datafiles, and then keep track of the IDirect3DVertexBuffer8 used for that particular mesh. It would wreak havoc on object positions and such unless you could integrate it into the scene manager.

The Aedra's project bringing the physics

...but is stuck at r109 since almost two months. Also at OpenMw progress has come to a halt lately. Those would be the candidates to look at when you're talking physics. As it would be implemented right in the game engine, this approach would be the only feasible one.

OpenMW is slowly coming along, in fact there was a post in the development section of the forums less than an hour ago.

Aedra was "stuck", last I heard, because the developer was finishing up his exams and busy graduating. It's been showing more progress than OpenMW, that's for sure (with the latter being stalled for gods know how long).

I don't want to sound cynically but I hardly doubt whether these two will ever be finished.
It's really a tough work and only a good cohesive "pro" team can handle it, accomplish this task in a reasonable time. And, of course, they will demand more than just an enthusiastic satisfaction
Just imagine what epic difficulties one may face while trying to comprehend with overall scripting from scratch. Not to mention quests, combat and other complex aspects.
Well, from this point of view, i belive that in-engine physics "injection" seems even more feasible, despite all odds

"sigh", I realy hope that Open Morrowind actualy gets completed, since it is near basic completion.

The engine replacer projects (We got 3 now?) all sound very good, and I very much hope that one is finished eventually, but like with all large projects that still have a long long way to go, I won't get my hopes up too high. :shrug: