Isaac Newton is one of the most prominent figures in the history of science, whose work changed humanity’s understanding of the world. He was not only a physicist but also a mathematician, astronomer, philosopher, alchemist, and even a government official. His discoveries laid the foundation of classical mechanics and modern physics. Newton’s personal life, his interests, and his working methods are full of little-known but fascinating details. Here are some interesting facts about this genius that you may not know.
- Isaac Newton was born prematurely on the night of December 24–25, 1642 (old style), and many believed he would not survive. He was so small and weak that his mother said he could fit into a quart mug. Despite this, he lived to the age of 84 and left behind an enormous scientific legacy.
- Newton grew up without a father, as his father died before he was born. When he was three years old, his mother remarried, and he was left in the care of his grandmother. This shaped his reserved personality and tendency toward self-directed learning.
- At school, Newton did not initially show outstanding achievements. However, after a conflict with a classmate, he decided to surpass everyone in his studies and became the top student in his class. His drive for knowledge quickly turned into a true passion.
- At the University of Cambridge, he studied at Trinity College, initially focusing mainly on philosophy and mathematics. During the Great Plague of 1665–1666, the university closed, and Newton returned home. It was during this time that he made his most significant discoveries.
- While staying in Woolsthorpe, Newton developed the foundations of differential and integral calculus. He also began working on the laws of motion and ideas about gravity. This period is often referred to as his years of genius.
- The famous story about an apple falling from a tree inspiring Newton to discover the law of universal gravitation has some truth to it. Although the apple did not hit him on the head, he did observe it falling and wondered why objects fall straight down. This led him to formulate the theory of gravity.
- In 1672, Newton became a member of the Royal Society of London. He presented his reflecting telescope, which used a mirror instead of lenses, reducing image distortion. This invention brought him recognition in the scientific community.
- Newton also studied light and determined that white light is composed of different colors of the spectrum. He passed light through a prism and observed the formation of a rainbow. This discovery became the basis of modern optics.
- In 1687, he published his most famous work, Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. It set out the laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation, which became the foundation of classical mechanics. This work is considered one of the most important in the history of science.
- Newton had a difficult personality and could not tolerate criticism. He engaged in intense scientific disputes with Robert Hooke, Gottfried Leibniz, and other scientists. His conflict with Leibniz over the priority of developing calculus lasted many years.
- He was fascinated by alchemy and theology, devoting more time to these subjects than to physics. Newton believed that the Bible contained hidden knowledge and tried to decode it. He conducted his alchemical experiments in great secrecy, as such work was forbidden at the time.
- In 1696, Newton was appointed Warden of the Royal Mint and later became its Master. He reformed England’s monetary system by introducing new standards for coinage. Newton actively pursued counterfeiters and personally participated in investigations.
- In 1705, Queen Anne knighted him. He thus became the first scientist to be knighted not for military service but for scientific achievement. This marked significant recognition of his contributions to science.
- Newton never married and likely led a rather solitary life. He devoted all his time to science, research, and work in state institutions. His correspondence and notes reveal his exceptional focus on intellectual pursuits.
- He died on March 20, 1727, at the age of 84. Newton was buried in Westminster Abbey alongside the greatest figures of England. His tomb became a place of pilgrimage for scientists and admirers.
- Newton’s name lives on in numerous monuments, street names, educational institutions, and even celestial objects. A crater on the Moon, a space telescope, and the unit of force—the newton—are all named after him. He remains a symbol of scientific genius and the pursuit of knowledge.
Isaac Newton is an example of how perseverance, curiosity, and hard work can change the world. His discoveries and works became the foundation for the further development of physics, astronomy, and mathematics. The incredible facts about him show that his legacy is still alive and continues to inspire new generations of researchers around the globe.
