Sir Isaac Newton
Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) was an illustrious natural philosopher, born in Woolsthorpe, near Grantham, in Lincolnshire. He entered Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1661, where he applied himself specially to the study of mathematics, invented the method of Fluxions, and began to theorise on gravitation, graduating in 1667, and becoming professor of Mathematics in 1669. Failing at first, from a mistaken measurement given of the earth's diameter, in his attempts to establish the theory referred to, he set himself to the construction of telescopes, and discovered the composition of light. Shortly after this, hearing of a correction of the measurement required, he renewed his study of gravitation, and made his theory good in a series of papers communicated to the Royal Society, though it was not till 1687, encouraged by Halley, he gave the complete demonstration in his "Principia" to the world. In 1695, he was made Warden of the Mint, and afterwards Master, a post he held till his death. His works were numerous, and he wrote on prophecy as well as treatises on science.Wisdom & Quotes
- Every body continues in its state of rest, or of uniform motion in a right (straight) line, unless it is compelled to change that state by forces impressed upon it.
- To every action there is always opposed an equal reaction.
- Hypotheses non fingo. ( I feign no hypotheses.)
- If I have seen further, - it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.
- I know not what I may appear to the world, but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the sea-shore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.
Matsuo Basho