Profession: Physicist and Mathematician
Biography: Isaac Newton made fundamental contributions to physics, mathematics, and astronomy. He developed theories of motion and gravity that shaped scientific understanding for centuries.
Newton attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where he began exploring ideas about calculus, optics, and gravity. During 1665-1666, when Cambridge closed due to plague, Newton made significant breakthroughs while working at his family home. This period became known as his "year of wonders."
In 1687, Newton published "Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica," which explained his laws of motion and universal gravitation. This work became a cornerstone of physics. He also conducted important research on light and color, showing that white light is made up of different colors.
Newton built the first practical reflecting telescope. This invention improved astronomers' ability to observe distant objects in space. He also engaged in disputes with other scientists, notably Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz over who invented calculus first.
In 1696, Newton became Warden of the Royal Mint. He took this role seriously, actively working to stop counterfeiters. Newton was elected President of the Royal Society in 1703 and received a knighthood from Queen Anne in 1705.
Despite his focus on science, Newton spent much time studying religion and alchemy. He wrote more about religious topics than scientific ones. Newton never married and was known for being modest about his achievements.
Born: January 4, 1643
Birthplace: Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, England
Star Sign: Capricorn
Died: March 31, 1727 (aged 84)
Articles and Photos
Historical Events
- 1661-06-05 Isaac Newton admitted as a student to Trinity College, Cambridge
- 1668-07-07 Isaac Newton receives MA from Trinity College, Cambridge
- 1672-02-08 Isaac Newton reads first optics paper before the Royal Society in London
- 1676-02-05 Isaac Newton writes to fellow polymath Robert Hooke “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants”
- 1684-12-10 Isaac Newton's derivation of Kepler's laws from his theory of gravity, contained in the paper “De motu corporum in gyrum” (On the motion of bodies in an orbit), is read to the Royal Society by Edmond Halley.
- 1687-07-05 Isaac Newton's great work Principia is published by the Royal Society in England, outlining his laws of motion and universal gravitation
- 1697-01-26 Isaac Newton receives Jean Bernoulli's 6 month time-limit problem, solves problem before going to bed that same night
- 1705-04-16 Queen Anne of England knights scientist Isaac Newton at Trinity College, Cambridge
- 1727-12-07 Physician Sir Hans Soane becomes President of the Royal Society, succeeding Sir Isaac Newton
- 2018-06-15 Physicist Stephen Hawking's ashes are interred in Westminster Abbey, London, between the remains of Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin
Quotes by Isaac Newton
- "I can calculate the motion of heavenly bodies, but not the madness of people."
References
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7sLrToaCsnJGue6S7zGinnqegobJwtdKamJxlnprEtbvN