Isaac Newton: The Man, The Myth, The Genius

The Early Life of Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton was born on January 4, 1643, in Woolsthorpe, Lincolnshire, England. His father, also named Isaac Newton, was a prosperous farmer who died before his son was born. His mother, Hannah Ayscough, remarried when Newton was three years old, and he was raised by his maternal grandmother.

Isaac Newton

by James Gleick

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3578 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	290 pages

FREE

Newton was a precocious child who showed an early interest in mathematics and science. He attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied mathematics and natural philosophy. In 1665, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society.

Newton's Scientific Discoveries

Newton is best known for his discovery of the laws of motion and universal gravitation. His work on these laws was published in his seminal work, Principia Mathematica, in 1687.

The laws of motion describe the relationship between an object's mass, velocity, and acceleration. The first law of motion states that an object at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon by an external force. The second law of motion states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on the object. The third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

The law of universal gravitation states that every particle of matter attracts every other particle of matter with a force that is directly proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This law explains the motion of the planets around the Sun, the Moon around the Earth, and the tides.

In addition to his work on motion and gravitation, Newton also made significant contributions to optics, mathematics, and natural philosophy. He invented the reflecting telescope, developed the calculus, and formulated the theory of light and color.

Newton's Personal Life

Newton was a private and solitary man who never married. He was deeply religious and believed that the universe was governed by God. He was also a strong advocate for the abolition of slavery.

Newton died on March 20, 1727, in London. He was buried in Westminster Abbey.

Newton's Legacy

Isaac Newton is considered one of the most influential scientists of all time. His discoveries revolutionized our understanding of the universe and laid the foundation for modern science. His work continues to be studied and admired today.

Here are some of Newton's most famous quotes:

• "If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."
• "Nature and nature's laws lay hid in night: God said, 'Let Newton be!' and all was light."
• "To every action there is always opposed an equal reaction."

Isaac Newton was a brilliant scientist whose work has had a profound impact on our world. He is truly one of the giants of science.

Isaac Newton

by James Gleick

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3578 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	290 pages

FREE