What made a mark 30 years ago
As a teenager, Newton created a list of his past sins, which included: "Threatening my father and mother Smith to burn them and the house over them."
Isaac Newton (1642-1727) is celebrated as one of history's greatest scientific minds, laying the foundations of modern physics with his groundbreaking laws of motion and universal gravitation. Yet, beyond his renowned achievements, Newton's life was filled with fascinating and unexpected quirks.
From his tumultuous childhood to his secret alchemical experiments, click on to discover things you probably didn't know about the legendary genius.
When Newton was three, his mother remarried a wealthy clergyman, Barnabas Smith, who didn't want a stepson. She moved away, leaving him in the care of his grandparents, further shaping his sense of abandonment.
Newton never knew his father, which left a lasting emotional impact. He was a farmer who died before his son was born.
Isaac Newton's early life was marked by trauma. Born prematurely and abandoned by his mother at a young age, these experiences shaped his solitary and secretive nature. Pictured is his childhood home in Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth, England.
Newton's mother initially wanted him to become a farmer, but he was uninterested in the profession, and his poor performance led to his eventual return to school.
At school, Newton was initially a poor student. However, after a confrontation with a bully, he became motivated, eventually excelling academically and setting a foundation for his future success.
Newton was an isolated teen with no hobbies and little social interaction. His focus was purely on his studies, often to the exclusion of everything else.
Newton shared the apple story with William Stukeley, who published it in his 1752 book, 'Memoir of Sir Isaac Newton's Life.'
The outbreak of the bubonic plague in 1665 forced Cambridge University to close, leading Newton to return to Woolsthorpe where he made crucial scientific discoveries, including gravity.
Newton's shift in attitude turned him into an exceptional student. After his return to school, he finished his coursework and moved on to study at Cambridge University.
At his childhood home in Woolsthorpe, Newton saw an apple fall from a tree, which sparked his insight into gravity. This story became part of his scientific legacy.
In 1696, Newton became Warden of the Royal Mint, responsible for producing England's currency. He rigorously investigated counterfeiters, leading to the execution of several forgers.
In 1669, at just 26, Newton became the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge, one of the world's oldest universities, founded in 1209.
Newton was the second to hold the Lucasian Professorship, a position later held by physicist Stephen Hawking, from 1979 to 2009.
Despite spending nearly 30 years at Cambridge, Newton had little interest in teaching. His lectures were often unattended, as his focus remained firmly on personal research.
In 1705, Newton was knighted by Queen Anne, a recognition of his monumental scientific achievements. He was also wealthy by this point, having inherited property from his mother.
Newton didn't just study physics and mathematics; he also analyzed the Bible, trying to find hidden messages that could explain how the universe worked.
Newton had a deep interest in alchemy, studying it in secret. His quest to find the philosopher's stone, though fruitless, showed his relentless curiosity in multiple fields. He also believed in the possibility of turning lead into gold.
Newton had intense rivalries, notably with Gottfried Leibniz over the invention of calculus. The dispute became personal, leading Newton to take drastic measures to discredit his rival.
Newton served in Parliament between 1689 and 1702, representing Cambridge University. However, his role was minimal, contributing little to the legislative process. He reportedly only spoke once during his time there.
Newton accused Leibniz of plagiarism over calculus. Despite support from the Royal Society, today, Leibniz's published version is more widely used.
Newton’s most famous works, 'Principia' and 'Opticks,' were published in 1687 and 1704, respectively. These books laid the foundation for modern physics and optics.
Newton never married or had children. Devoted entirely to his work, he led a solitary life, focused on unraveling the mysteries of the universe.
Newton’s intense optical experiments included staring at the sun's reflection, which could have led to blindness. Despite the risks, this work significantly advanced his optics theories.
Newton's eccentricities extended beyond science. From his alchemy pursuits to his unique approach to scientific inquiry, Newton's personality was as unconventional as his discoveries.
Newton's curiosity led him to dangerous experiments on himself. He once inserted a needle into his eye to study vision, risking permanent damage.
Though Newton's alchemical work didn't yield results, his scientific achievements ensured his immortality. His laws of motion and universal gravitation remain foundational in modern physics.
Sources: (History) (Discover Magazine)
See also: History's most impressive polymaths
Newton died at 84 in March 1727 and was buried in Westminster Abbey, alongside English monarchs and notable figures like Charles Darwin and Charles Dickens.
Newton's determination to seek out counterfeiters struck fear into London's criminal underworld.
Things you didn't know about Isaac Newton
Lesser-known facts about the father of modern science
LIFESTYLE History
Isaac Newton (1642-1727) is celebrated as one of history's greatest scientific minds, laying the foundations of modern physics with his groundbreaking laws of motion and universal gravitation. Yet, beyond his renowned achievements, Newton's life was filled with fascinating and unexpected quirks.
From his tumultuous childhood to his secret alchemical experiments, click on to discover things you probably didn't know about the legendary genius.