Sir Isaac Newton

Sir Isaac Newton is one of the most influential figures in modern science and mathematics. Though it was contested during his lifetime as to whether he or Gottfried Leibniz was in fact the true creator of calculus, the work that Newton did in mathematics spawned a new era of study in physics and engineering.

1. Born: January 4, 1643
2. Died: March 31, 1727
3. Engaged once, but never married
4. Came from a poor farming family
5. Served the rich to attend Cambridge University
6. Was a mathematician, astronomer, philosopher, alchemist, and physicist
7. Genuinely may have been inspired by seeing an apple fall to the ground

Newton is credited with developing calculus, the three laws of motion and inventing the reflecting telescope. He also developed a theory of color by studying the effects of lights through prisms. His many writings include Optiks and Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica.

Newton's work on universal gravitation observed that the movement of planets is governed by the same properties as objects that we observe and use in our everyday lives.

In connection with this theory, Newton developed his three laws of motion. They are:

1. An object at rest will stay at rest or continue at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external unbalanced force.
2. Rate of change of momentum is proportional to the resultant force producing it and takes place in the direction of that force.
3. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

• Amazon.com:
  • Newton's Philosophy of Nature, Selections from his Writings | Isaac Newton: Philosophical Writings | The Principia: Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy
• Google Books:
  • Memoirs of the Life, Writings and Discoveries of Sir Isaac Newton | The Life of Sir Isaac Newton |
  • Correspondence of Sir Isaac Newton and Professor Cotes
• Alibris:
  • Opticks | Sir Isaac Newton: a Brief Account of His Life and Work |
  • Sir Isaac Newton: Brilliant Mathematician and Scientist
• Barnes & Noble: Isaac Newton Search
• The Newton Project:
  • Newton's Alchemical Papers | Newton's Mint-Related Papers | Newton's Natural Philosophical Texts | Newton's Notebooks | Newton's Theological Manuscripts

• Note: The following timeline links to IMDb, which is known to have pop-ups.

• 1995: "Biography" Sir Isaac Newton: The Gravity of Genius

• 1997: Newton: A Tale of Two Isaac's (T.V. Program)

• 1999: Me and Isaac Newton

• Jokes4All.net: Isaac Newton Joke

• UBR: Sir Isaac Newton Quotes

• Anecdotage.com: Maiden Speech | Newton's Apple | Abracadabra