Newton

Sir Isaac Newton was an English mathematician, physicist, astronomer, and author who lived during the 17th and early 18th centuries. Born in Woolsthorpe, Lincolnshire, he laid the groundwork for classical mechanics and modern optics. Newton's work transformed science during the Scientific Revolution through mathematical description of motion and gravitation.

In 1687 he published Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica, in which he formulated the three laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation. These laws describe inertial motion, acceleration due to forces, action and reaction, and the gravitational attraction between masses, providing a framework that dominated physics for centuries. He also contributed to mathematics by developing differential and integral calculus independently of Leibniz, while engaging in scholarly debates about priority. In optics, Newton showed that white light consists of a spectrum of colors and designed the first practical reflecting telescope, the Newtonian telescope.

Newton's influence extended to astronomy, engineering, and natural philosophy. His methodology emphasized empirical observation and mathematical description, shaping approaches in science. He served as Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge and, from 1703 to 1727, as president of the Royal Society. The term newton, named in his honor, is the SI unit of force, defined as one kilogram meter per second squared.

The name Newton can also refer to other topics, including places and institutions named after him.