Sir Isaac Newton

Robert Iliffe (Imperial College London)

The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.2.1.05: English Writing and Culture from the Glorious Revolution to the French Revolution, 1689-1789.
Vol. editors: Paul Baines (University of Liverpool), Daniel Cook (University of Dundee), Pat Rogers (University of South Florida), Nicholas Seager (University of Keele)

Dates

Born 25 Dec 1642
Died 20 Mar 1727
Activity 1660-1727

Places

Born in England
Active in England

Activities

Primary

Essayist
Philosopher
Scientist

Resources

Sir Isaac Newton's contributions to our understanding of the physical world remain astonishing, even three hundred years after his death. Famous for his discovery of the laws of motion and for his formulation of the law of Universal Gravitation, his concepts underpin the modern understanding of the cosmos and of matter itself. His innovations in mathematical calculus and in physical optics are part of all secondary school syllabi in the modern world, not to mention every lens in every optical device. After a dismal childhood, and a reclusive existence at Trinity College Cambridge, he rose to prominence as an internationally renowned mathematician and scientist. In later years Sir Isaac Newton became Master of the Mint, President of the R…

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6778 words

Citation: Iliffe, Robert. "Sir Isaac Newton". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 14 May 2005 [https://staging.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=3331, accessed 24 November 2024.]

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