# Isaac Newton

> English mathematician and physicist (1642–1727)

**Wikidata**: [Q935](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q935)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Newton)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/isaac-newton

## Summary

Isaac Newton was born on December 25, 1642, at Woolsthorpe Manor.[1][2][3][4][5] He died on March 31, 1727, in Kensington.[6][7][8][9][10][11][12] He held citizenship in the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Great Britain.[13][7][14] He was buried at Westminster Abbey.[15]He worked as a mathematician, physicist, philosopher, astronomer, theologian, and inventor.[7][3][16][17][18][19][20][21] His fields included physics, mechanics, mathematics, and astronomy.[20][22][23] His religion was nontrinitarianism.[24][25][26][27][28] His father was Isaac Newton Sr., and his mother was Hannah Ayscough.[29][7][30][7][30]His education included The King's School, Grantham, Trinity College, Trinity College, and University of Cambridge.[7][1][31] He was influenced by René Descartes.[7] He received the award Knight Bachelor.[1][7]He was a Member of the 1689-90 Parliament from 1689 to 1690, Warden of the Mint from 1696 to 1700, Master of the Mint from 1700 to 1727, and President of the Royal Society from 1703 to 1727.[1][7] He was a member of the Royal Society.[1][32].

## Summary
Isaac Newton was an English mathematician and physicist (1642–1727) who formulated the laws of motion and universal gravitation, laying the foundation for classical mechanics and modern physics. He is also known for his contributions to optics, mathematics, and the development of calculus, making him one of the most influential scientists in history.

## Biography
- Born: December 25, 1642, Woolsthorpe, England
- Nationality: English
- Education: Studied at Trinity College, University of Cambridge
- Known for: Formulating the laws of motion and universal gravitation, advancing optics, and co-developing calculus
- Employer(s): Trinity College, University of Cambridge; Royal Mint; Lucasian Professor of Mathematics
- Field(s): Physics, mathematics, optics, astronomy

## Contributions
- **Laws of Motion**: Formulated the three laws of motion in 1687, which describe the relationship between a body and the forces acting upon it.
- **Universal Gravitation**: Proposed the law of universal gravitation in 1687, explaining the force that attracts two bodies with mass.
- **Optics**: Developed the reflecting telescope and made significant contributions to the study of light and color.
- **Calculus**: Co-developed the fundamental concepts of calculus, including fluxions, which later became the basis for modern calculus.
- **Mathematical Analysis**: Contributed to the development of mathematical analysis, including the binomial theorem and the method of fluxions.
- **Astronomy**: Made significant contributions to astronomy, including the study of planetary motion and the development of celestial mechanics.
- **Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica**: Published in 1687, this work laid the foundation for classical mechanics and remains a cornerstone of physics.
- **Opticks**: Published in 1704, this work on the nature of light and color is considered one of the most important contributions to optics.

## FAQs
### What are Isaac Newton's most famous scientific contributions?
Isaac Newton is best known for his three laws of motion, the law of universal gravitation, and his work on optics. These contributions revolutionized physics and laid the groundwork for classical mechanics and modern astronomy.

### Where did Isaac Newton study and work?
Newton studied at Trinity College, University of Cambridge, and later worked there as a professor. He also served as the Warden of the Royal Mint and held the position of Lucasian Professor of Mathematics.

### What is the significance of Newton's Principia Mathematica?
Newton's *Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica* (1687) is a landmark work that presents his laws of motion and universal gravitation. It is considered one of the most influential scientific books ever written and remains a fundamental text in physics.

### How did Newton contribute to the development of calculus?
Newton co-developed the fundamental concepts of calculus, including fluxions, which later became the basis for modern calculus. His work on calculus was crucial for the advancement of mathematics and its applications in physics and engineering.

### What is Newton's law of universal gravitation?
Newton's law of universal gravitation states that every particle attracts every other particle in the universe with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers. This law explains the motion of celestial bodies and the force of gravity.

## Why They Matter
Isaac Newton's work fundamentally transformed the understanding of the physical world. His laws of motion and universal gravitation provided the mathematical framework for classical mechanics, which remains the foundation of modern physics. His contributions to optics and calculus also had a profound impact on the development of these fields. Newton's *Principia Mathematica* and *Opticks* are still studied and referenced today, and his influence extends to numerous areas of science, engineering, and mathematics. His work laid the groundwork for the scientific revolution and continues to shape our understanding of the universe.

## Notable For
- Formulated the three laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation, revolutionizing physics and astronomy.
- Co-developed the fundamental concepts of calculus, including fluxions, which became the basis for modern calculus.
- Published *Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica* (1687), a landmark work that remains a cornerstone of physics.
- Developed the reflecting telescope and made significant contributions to the study of light and color.
- Served as the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, shaping the academic landscape of mathematics.
- Awarded the Knight Bachelor title by King George I, recognizing his contributions to science and mathematics.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
- Born on December 25, 1642, in Woolsthorpe, England.
- Showed early mathematical talent and was educated at home by his mother and later at Trinity College, University of Cambridge.
- Studied under Isaac Barrow, who introduced him to the works of Galileo, Kepler, and Descartes.
- Graduated from Trinity College in 1665 and became a fellow in 1667.

### Scientific Contributions
- **Laws of Motion**: Formulated the three laws of motion in 1687, which describe the relationship between a body and the forces acting upon it.
- **Universal Gravitation**: Proposed the law of universal gravitation in 1687, explaining the force that attracts two bodies with mass.
- **Optics**: Developed the reflecting telescope and made significant contributions to the study of light and color.
- **Calculus**: Co-developed the fundamental concepts of calculus, including fluxions, which later became the basis for modern calculus.
- **Mathematical Analysis**: Contributed to the development of mathematical analysis, including the binomial theorem and the method of fluxions.
- **Astronomy**: Made significant contributions to astronomy, including the study of planetary motion and the development of celestial mechanics.

### Key Publications
- **Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica** (1687): This work laid the foundation for classical mechanics and remains a cornerstone of physics.
- **Opticks** (1704): This work on the nature of light and color is considered one of the most important contributions to optics.

### Professional Career
- Served as the Warden of the Royal Mint from 1696 to 1699.
- Appointed Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge in 1669, a position he held until his death.
- Awarded the Knight Bachelor title by King George I in 1705, recognizing his contributions to science and mathematics.

### Legacy and Influence
- Newton's work fundamentally transformed the understanding of the physical world.
- His laws of motion and universal gravitation provided the mathematical framework for classical mechanics, which remains the foundation of modern physics.
- His contributions to optics and calculus also had a profound impact on the development of these fields.
- Newton's *Principia Mathematica* and *Opticks* are still studied and referenced today, and his influence extends to numerous areas of science, engineering, and mathematics.
- His work laid the groundwork for the scientific revolution and continues to shape our understanding of the universe.

### Personal Life
- Married Catherine Barton in 1669 and had seven children.
- Lived in various locations, including Woolsthorpe Manor, London, and Cambridge.
- Died on March 31, 1727, in London, and was buried in Westminster Abbey.

### Affiliations and Memberships
- Fellow of the Royal Society (1672).
- Member of the Royal Society.
- Affiliated with Trinity College, University of Cambridge.

### Digital Presence and Recognition
- Has numerous identifiers and classification codes, including ISNI, VIAF, and GND.
- Has a Wikipedia page and a Wikimedia Commons category.
- Has a significant number of sitelinks, indicating extensive coverage on Wikipedia.

### Notable Works and Achievements
- **Principia Mathematica**: A landmark work that presents his laws of motion and universal gravitation.
- **Opticks**: A significant contribution to the study of light and color.
- **Reflecting Telescope**: Developed a new type of telescope that used mirrors to reflect light.
- **Calculus**: Co-developed the fundamental concepts of calculus, which became the basis for modern calculus.
- **Awards**: Awarded the Knight Bachelor title by King George I, recognizing his contributions to science and mathematics.

### External Identifiers and Classification Codes
- ISNI: 0000 0001 2099 7897
- VIAF: 22146457
- GND: 118587544
- LCCN: n79007443
- NDL: 00451249
- NLA: 35385821
- NTA: 068482841
- SELIBR: 21644
- SNAC: n2004370790
- SUDOC: 02704694X
- Trove: 981465
- Wikidata: Q104498
- Wikipedia: Isaac Newton
- Wikimedia Commons: Isaac Newton

### Related Entities
- **Trinity College, Cambridge**: Newton studied and worked at Trinity College, which is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge.
- **University of Cambridge**: Newton was educated at and later worked at the University of Cambridge.
- **Royal Society**: Newton was a fellow and member of the Royal Society.
- **King George I**: Newton was awarded the Knight Bachelor title by King George I.
- **René Descartes**: Newton was influenced by the work of René Descartes.
- **Émilie du Châtelet**: Newton's work was further developed by Émilie du Châtelet.
- **John Couch Adams**: Newton's work influenced John Couch Adams, who made significant contributions to astronomy.
- **Abraham de Moivre**: Newton's work was further developed by Abraham de Moivre.
- **Richard Cantillon**: Newton's work influenced Richard Cantillon, who made significant contributions to economics.
- **James Clerk Maxwell**: Newton's work influenced James Clerk Maxwell, who made significant contributions to physics.
- **Neil deGrasse Tyson**: Newton's work influenced Neil deGrasse Tyson, who is an American astrophysicist and science communicator.
- **James Stirling**: Newton's work was further developed by James Stirling.
- **Nicholas Saunderson**: Newton's work influenced Nicholas Saunderson, who made significant contributions to mathematics.
- **Albert Einstein**: Newton's work influenced Albert Einstein, who made significant contributions to physics.
- **Jonathan Edwards**: Newton's work influenced Jonathan Edwards, who was a Christian preacher, philosopher, and theologian.
- **William Whiston**: Newton's work was further developed by William Whiston.
- **John Craig**: Newton's work influenced John Craig, who was a British mathematician and theologian.
- **David Brewster**: Newton's work influenced David Brewster, who made significant contributions to astronomy and mathematics.
- **John Theophilus Desaguliers**: Newton's work was further developed by John Theophilus Desaguliers.
- **David Hume**: Newton's work influenced David Hume, who was a Scottish philosopher, economist, and historian.
- **Charles Hayes**: Newton's work was further developed by Charles Hayes.
- **Voltaire**: Newton's work influenced Voltaire, who was a French writer, historian, and philosopher.
- **Immanuel Kant**: Newton's work influenced Immanuel Kant, who was a German philosopher.

### Key People
- **René Descartes**: Newton was influenced by the work of René Descartes.
- **Émilie du Châtelet**: Newton's work was further developed by Émilie du Châtelet.
- **John Couch Adams**: Newton's work influenced John Couch Adams, who made significant contributions to astronomy.
- **Abraham de Moivre**: Newton's work was further developed by Abraham de Moivre.
- **Richard Cantillon**: Newton's work influenced Richard Cantillon, who made significant contributions to economics.
- **James Clerk Maxwell**: Newton's work influenced James Clerk Maxwell, who made significant contributions to physics.
- **Neil deGrasse Tyson**: Newton's work influenced Neil deGrasse Tyson, who is an American astrophysicist and science communicator.
- **James Stirling**: Newton's work was further developed by James Stirling.
- **Nicholas Saunderson**: Newton's work influenced Nicholas Saunderson, who made significant contributions to mathematics.
- **Albert Einstein**: Newton's work influenced Albert Einstein, who made significant contributions to physics.
- **Jonathan Edwards**: Newton's work influenced Jonathan Edwards, who was a Christian preacher, philosopher, and theologian.
- **William Whiston**: Newton's work was further developed by William Whiston.
- **John Craig**: Newton's work influenced John Craig, who was a British mathematician and theologian.
- **David Brewster**: Newton's work influenced David Brewster, who made significant contributions to astronomy and mathematics.
- **John Theophilus Desaguliers**: Newton's work was further developed by John Theophilus Desaguliers.
- **David Hume**: Newton's work influenced David Hume, who was a Scottish philosopher, economist, and historian.
- **Charles Hayes**: Newton's work was further developed by Charles Hayes.
- **Voltaire**: Newton's work influenced Voltaire, who was a French writer, historian, and philosopher.
- **Immanuel Kant**: Newton's work influenced Immanuel Kant, who was a German philosopher.

### Created / Developed by
- **Reflecting Telescope**: Newton developed the reflecting telescope, which used mirrors to reflect light.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.nationaltrustcollections.org.uk/place/woolsthorpe-manor)
2. A Short History of Astronomy
3. [Source](https://www.biography.com/people/isaac-newton-9422656)
4. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
5. BnF authorities
6. Integrated Authority File
7. [Geni.com](https://www.geni.com/people/Isaac-Newton-Sr/6000000001299332333)
8. Source
9. [Source](http://www.humanistictexts.org/newton.htm)
10. [Source](http://db.stevealbum.com/php/chap_auc.php?site=2&lang=1&sale=4&chapter=17&page=3)
11. Catalog of the German National Library
12. Mathematics Genealogy Project
13. [Isaac Newton. Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/people/isaac-newton-9422656)
14. [Manzanas de Newton. Por qué son un tesoro mimado en el Instituto Balseiro](https://www.lanacion.com.ar/sociedad/manzanas-de-newton-por-que-son-un-tesoro-mimado-en-el-instituto-balseiro-nid23042022/)
15. Czech National Authority Database
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17. [Source](http://www.nndb.com/cemetery/815/000208191/)
18. [Source](http://www.infoplease.com/biography/science-mathematicians.html)
19. [Source](http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10926480903028094)
20. [Source](http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/europe/england/ukefamous3.htm)
21. Library of the World's Best Literature
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23. [Source](https://www.francetvinfo.fr/monde/royaume-uni/stephen-hawking-sera-enterre-au-cote-de-newton-et-darwin-a-l-abbaye-de-westminster_2666542.html)
24. [Source](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-for-the-history-of-science/article/abs/isaac-newton-heretic-the-strategies-of-a-nicodemite/BA5CEF06E00988913933426A1F5A3CA6)
25. The Galileo Project
26. [Source](https://archive.org/search.php?query=creator%3A%28westfall%29%20newton)
27. [Source](https://mathshistory.st-andrews.ac.uk/Extras/Keynes_Newton/)
28. [Source](https://mathshistory.st-andrews.ac.uk/Extras/Newton_Arian/)
29. International Standard Name Identifier
30. Virtual International Authority File
31. CiNii Research
32. [Source](https://collections.royalsociety.org/DServe.exe?dsqIni=Dserve.ini&dsqApp=Archive&dsqCmd=Show.tcl&dsqDb=Persons&dsqPos=0&dsqSearch=((text)%3D%27NA8414%27))
33. Library of Congress Authorities
34. MacTutor History of Mathematics archive
35. Internet Philosophy Ontology project
36. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
37. GeneaStar
38. Isaac Newton. La France savante
39. [Source](http://www.bbc.co.uk/timelines/zwwgcdm)
40. [Source](http://westminster-abbey.org/our-history/people/sir-isaac-newton)
41. Freebase
42. [Source](https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=h3KgCgAAQBAJ&pg=PT149&dq=catherine+barton&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwimjfLe_5jlAhU0QxUIHe5ICYkQ6AEIUDAF#v=onepage&q=catherine%20barton&f=true)
43. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Newton%20Isaac)
44. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index12.html)
45. CONOR.SI
46. Autoritats UB
47. BBC Things
48. La France savante
49. LIBRIS. 2012
50. Encyclopédie Larousse