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Know About Newton

Isaac Newton’s work represents one of the greatest contributions to science ever made by an individual. Most notably, Newton derived the law of universal gravitation, invented the branch of mathematics called calculus, and performed experiments investigating the nature of light and color.

Isaac Newton (1642-1727), English physicist, mathematician, and natural philosopher, considered one of the most important scientists of all time. Newton formulated laws of universal gravitation and motion—laws that explain how objects move on Earth as well as through the heavens (see Mechanics). He established the modern study of optics—or the behavior of light—and built the first reflecting telescope. His mathematical insights led him to invent the area of mathematics called calculus (which German mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz also developed independently). Newton stated his ideas in several published works, two of which, Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica (Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy, 1687) and Opticks (1704), are considered among the greatest scientific works ever produced. Newton’s revolutionary contributions explained the workings of a large part of the physical world in mathematical terms, and they suggested that science may provide explanations for other phenomena as well.

Newton took known facts and formed mathematical theories to explain them. He used his mathematical theories to predict the behavior of objects in different circumstances and then compared his predictions with what he observed in experiments. Finally, Newton used his results to check—and if need be, modify—his theories (see Deduction). He was able to unite the explanation of physical properties with the means of prediction. Newton began with the laws of motion and gravitation he observed in nature, then used these laws to convert physics from a mere science of explanation into a general mathematical system with rules and laws. His experiments explained the phenomena of light and color and anticipated modern developments in light theory. In addition, his invention of calculus gave science one of its most versatile and powerful tools.

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, Philosophiae 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 Leibniz, 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.