Isaac Newton
Isaac Newton was an English scientist who lived from 1634 to 1727. He was a physicist, astronomer, mathematician, alchemist and natural philosopher. He is probably best known for his Theory of Universal Gravitation and his Laws of Motion. He also developed calculus simultaneously with German physicist Gottfried Leibniz. (Each accused the other of plagiarism, but neither could prove it.[1]). In addition, he invented the reflecting telescope, and made numerous other contributions to his fields of study.
Newton was the first to demonstrate that the same laws that govern the motion of celestial objects also govern the motion of things on Earth. Newton contributed greatly to the advancement of science. His work also advanced the concept of heliocentrism (the view that the Sun is at the center of the solar system).
In 1705, in recognition of Isaac Newton's scientific and mathematical contributions, Queen Anne knighted him, making him Sir Isaac Newton. [2] It was the first knighthood to be given for scientific achievement rather than prowess on the battlefield or work in government. [3]
Newton is often seen as one of the greatest scientists of all time due to his contributions, which inspired Kant to create the philosophical concepts of the categorical imperative and the synthetic a priori.
After his death and burial, Newton was exhumed so he could be buried in a more prominent location in Westminster Abbey. During this exhumation process, it was discovered that Newton had large amounts of mercury in his body, probably as a direct result of his alchemical experiments. Exposure to large amounts of mercury may explain Newton’s eccentricity in his latter years, as well as his cause of death. [4]
Gravity
Newton developed the Theory of Universal Gravitation, more commonly known as gravity, when, according to legend, a falling apple struck him on the head. He realized that the same force that pulled the apple to the ground could be what keeps Jupiter's moons in orbit. His theory stated that all matter is attracted to matter by a force, whose strength increases proportionally to the mass of the objects involved, and inverse proportionately to the distance between them. The theory's accuracy was later improved by the theory of relativity.
Religious Beliefs
Newton was a devout Christian who said his discoveries were inspired by God.[5]. He devoted more time to the study of Scripture than to science. He said of himself, "I have a fundamental belief in the Bible as the Word of God, written by those who were inspired. I study the Bible daily."[6]
Newton believed that God's creation of the universe was self evident given its grandeur.[7] He also warned against using his laws to replace the creator. He said, "Gravity explains the motions of the planets, but it cannot explain who set the planets in motion. God governs all things and knows all that is or can be done."[8]
His views would today be considered those of a Unitarian.[9]
Reference
- ↑ Newton Biography[1]
- ↑ Sir Isaac Newton (1642/3–1727): A Scientific Genius, by Ann Lamont[2]
- ↑ Isaac Newton and God's Law of Gravity[3]
- ↑ Newton Biography[4]
- ↑ http://www.biblecodedigest.com/page.php/74
- ↑ Tiner, J.H. (1975). Isaac Newton: Inventor, Scientist and Teacher. Milford, Michigan, U.S.: Mott Media.
- ↑ Webb, R.K. ed. Knud Haakonssen. “The emergence of Rational Dissent.” Enlightenment and Religion: Rational Dissent in eighteenth-century Britain. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge: 1996. p19.
- ↑ Tiner, J.H. (1975). Isaac Newton: Inventor, Scientist and Teacher. Milford, Michigan, U.S.: Mott Media.
- ↑ Bell, E.T. Men of Mathematics.