Biography Sir Isaac Newton

8/4/2019 Biography Sir Isaac Newton

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Newtons Achievements

At Cambridge he was able to pursue his interests in mathematics, science and physics.

At the time the prevailing education was based on Aristotle, but Isaac was more

interested in modern mathematicians such as Descartes. Isaac Newton had a

prodigious capacity to consider mathematical problems, and then focus on them until he

had solved the mystery behind them. His one pointed nature led him to, at times, be

detached from the world. For example, he had little time for women. An early teenage

romance came to nothing, and he remained single throughout his life.

Sir Isaac Newton, has been referred to as one of the greatest genius of history. His

mathematical and scientific achievements give credence to such a view. Amongst his

many accomplishments in the field of science include:

Developing a theory of Calculus

Unfortunately, at the same time as Newton, calculus was being developed by

Leibinz. When Leibinz published his results, there was a bitter feud between the two

men, with Newton claiming plagiarism. This bitter feud lasted until Leibinz death in

1713, it also extended between British mathematicians and the continent.

Mathematical Achievements of Newton

generalized binomial theorem

Newton's identities,

Newton's method,

classified cubic plane curves (polynomials of degree three in two variables),


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Substantial contributions to the theory of finite differences,

Use of fractional indices

Used geometry to derive solutions to Diophantine equations.

Used power series with confidence and to revert power series.

Discovered a new formula for pi.

Scientific Achievements of Newton

Optics Newton made great advancements into the study of optics. In particular

he developed the spectrum by splitting white light through a prism.

Telescope Made significant improvements to the development of the

telescope. However, when his ideas were criticised by Hooke, Newton withdrew

from the public debate. He developed an antagonistic and hostile attitude toHooke, throughout his life.

Mechanics and Gravitation. In his famous book Principa Mathematic. Newton

explained the three laws of motion that laid the framework for modern physics.

This involved explaining planetary movements.

Newton Hit on the Head with an Apple.

The most popular ante dote about Sir Isaac Newton is the story of how the theory of

gravitation came to him, after being hit on the head with a falling apple. In reality,Newton and his friends may have exaggerated this story. Nevertheless, it is quite likely

that seeing apples fall from trees may have influenced his theories of gravity.

Newtons Religious Belief's

As well as being a scientist, Newton actually spent more time investigating religious

issues. He read the Bible daily, believing it to be the word of God. Nevertheless, he was

not satisfied with the Christian interpretations of the Bible. For example, he rejected the

philosophy of the Holy Trinity, his beliefs were closer to the Christian beliefs in Arainism

(basically there was a difference between Jesus Christ and God)

Newton - Bible Code

Newton was fascinated with the early Church and also the last chapter of the Bible

Revelations. He spent many hours poring over the Bible, trying to find the secret Bible


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Code. He was rumoured to be a Rosicrucian. However, the religious beliefs that

Newton held could have caused serious embarrassment at the time. Because of this he

kept his views hidden, almost to the point of obsession. This desire for secrecy seemed

to be part of his nature. It was only on his death that his papers were opened up. The

bishop who first opened Newtons box, actually found them too shocking for public

release, therefore, they were kept closed for many more years.

Newton and Alchemy

Newton was also interested in alchemy. He experimented on many objects, using a lot

of Mercury. Very high levels of mercury in his blood stream may have contributed to his

early death and irregularities in later life.

Newton was made member of the Royal Society in 1703. He was also given the job of

Master of Mint in 1717. He took this job seriously and unofficially was responsible for

moving England from the silver standard to the gold standard.

Newton was an extraordinary polymath; the universe simply fascinated him. He sought

to discover the hidden and outer mysteries of life. With his sharp intellect and powers of

concentration, he was able to contribute to tremendous developments in many areas of

science. He was a unique individual. John Maynard Keynes, a twentieth century genius,

said of Newton:

I do not think that anyone who has pored over the contents of that box which he

packed up when he finally left Cambridge in 1696 and which, though partly dispersed,

have come down to us, can see him like that. Newton was not the first of the age of

reason. He was the last of the magicians, the last of the Babylonians and Sumerians,

the last great mind which looked out on the visible and intellectual world with the same

eyes as those who began to build our intellectual inheritance rather less than 10,000

years ago. Isaac Newton, a posthumous child born with no father on Christmas Day,

1642, was the last wonderchild to whom the Magi could do sincere and appropriate

homage.

By: R.Pettinger 10/05/07

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Biography Sir Isaac Newton