Scientist and mathematician, born Woolsthorpe near Grantham,
Lincolnshire, December 25th 1642.
One of the world’s most influential scientists, Newton’s work in mathematics, optics, and physics laid the foundations for modern science. As a mathematician he invented integral calculus and, jointly with Leibnitz, differential calculus. He also made a huge contribution to theoretical astronomy.
In 1687, with the help of Halley (of Halley’s Comet fame), he published Philosophis Naturalis Principia Mathematica which outlined the laws of gravity and planetary motion. It was reputedly the fall of an apple in his garden which had first suggested the idea that led to the laws of gravitation. In optics his experiments on the nature of the properties of light led to his construction of the first reflecting telescope. His work Opticks was published in 1703.
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| Glasgow University Silver Prize Medal, specimen, 19th century. |
Death Mask (after Louis Francois Roubiliac) donated to the Hunterian Museum in 1819 by John Flaxman R.A.P.S.
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Newton also studied alchemy and theology and his works include a manuscript on the prophecies of Daniel and on the Apocalypse, and a history of Creation.
Newton was educated at Grantham Grammar School and Trinity College, Cambridge. He became a Fellow of Trinity College in 1667 and Lucasian Professor of Mathematics in 1669. In 1696 he was appointed Warden of the Royal Mint and then Master from 1699 until his death in 1727. In 1671, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. He also held a seat in the Convention Parliament of 1689-90 and again in 1701. Newton was knighted by Queen Anne in 1703.
Newton died on March 20th 1727 and was buried in Westminster Abbey, the first scientist to be so honoured. The closing words on his monument read “Let mortals rejoice that there has existed such and so great an ornament of human nature”.
