British astronomer, physicist, mathematician and astrologer who showed how the universe is held together. Newton is often described as one of the greatest names in the history of human thought. Biographers speak of his Annus Mirabilis (year of wonder) as around 1665-66, “with incandescent intensity,” when he began his studies into light and color. The mythic story of the apple falling was said to have happened during this time.
After presenting his reflecting telescope to the Royal Society, he sent them his paper on the theory of light on 6 February 1672, meeting with uncommon applause and assuring his place in history. He completed his book III of the “Principia” in 1687. His close collaborator and benefactor was Edmond Halley, who encouraged him in the “Principia,” proof-read the mss and paid for the printing. It was formally announced on 28 April 1686, though it did not reach publication until 5 July 1687.
Known as an absentminded professor, a reclusive scholar in academia, Newton was suddenly a public figure. He was appointed Master of the Mint in 1700 and spent the rest of his life involved in politics. On 30 November 1703, he was elected President of the Royal Society and knighted by Queen Anne on 16 April 1705.
Newton died on 20 March 1727 in Kensington, England.
(All dates are given OS)
In the early 21st century, papers that had been purchased by Keynes were studied and “translated” from Newton’s cryptic notes; this new review of his notes revealed that Newton had very likely experimentd with alchemy and some of his experiments and formulae are being recreated by scientists now.
A TV program in 2006-7 and news reports at about the same time reported that he was interested in the occult and carried out secret experiments in alchemy. Kim Dziurman writes that he “sought to combine a scientific and spiritual understanding of the Universe” and that he “calculated that the end of the world would be in 2060.” She continues that he evidently had a difficult childhood. His father died before he was born; his mother remarried when he was young and left him in the care of his grandparents.
Link to Wikipedia biography