Sir Issac Newton
Sir Isaac Newton English mathematician and physicist Birth December 25, 1642
Death March 20, 1727 Place of Birth Woolsthorpe, England Known for Inventing, in
part, the branch of mathematics now known as calculus Formulating the three laws
of motion, which describe classical mechanics Proposing the theory of universal
gravitation, which explains that all bodies are affected by the force called
gravity Career 1661 Entered Trinity College, University of Cambridge 1665-1666
Developed what he called the fluxional method (now known as calculus) while
living in seclusion to avoid the plague 1669-1701 Served as Lucasian Professor
of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge 1687 Published his seminal work,
Philosphiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica (Mathematical Principles of Natural
Philosophy), which contained his three laws of motion and the theory of
gravitation 1703-1727 Acted as president of the Royal Society, an organization
that promotes the natural sciences 1704 Published Opticks (Optics), describing
his theory that white light is a blend of different colors Did You Know? Newton
was reluctant to share his research with other scientists for fear they would
take credit for his discoveries.
Newton instigated a Royal Society investigation
to prove that he invented calculus before German mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm
Liebniz, who had published the method first. In addition to science, Newton
showed an interest in alchemy, mysticism, and theology. French writer Voltaire
first recorded the story that a falling apple gave Newton the inspiration for
his theory of gravitation. Voltaire cited Newton's niece as his source for the
story.
Bibliography
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