Did You Know? -
Newton Isaac Newton was born in the year of 1642, and died in 1727. He was most famous for his three
laws of motion, but was also known for other major discoveries in math and
science. He compiled most of his work into a masterpiece of science called the Principia. Newton was known to be arrogant, so his book was written almost exclusively for the elite and rich. Some people claim that only 50 people in history have been able to understand his style of writing. Despite his arrogance, he truly was a father in the field of science. At the age of 18, he had devised a new system of mathematics called Calculus, and developed three laws which resulted in a new way of understanding motion.. All of this happened at his farm while the Black Plague swept across England. In the Principia, Newton claimed to have "
discovered" gravity when an apple fell on his head. But, many now believe that this was just a story told by Newton, and that in real life, he discovered gravity through thinking - not seeing.
If you want more information on Newton or other scientists, visit one of the following web pages: A very comprehensive and detailed account of Newton and his works:
http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/history/newton.html
A list of many scientist''s biographies: http://hermes.astro.washington.edu/scied/physics/physbio.html