Isaac Newton

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• 1642: Isaac Newton was born on December 25 in Woolsthorpe, England.

  • England used the Julian Calendar at the time of Newton's birth, while most other countries used the Gregorian Calendar. Using the Gregorian Calendar, which was adopted in England in 1752, Newton's birth was on January 4, 1643. Likewise, his death was on March 31, 1727 according to the Julian Calendar but April 11, 1727 according to the Gregorian Calendar.

• 1655: Newton was sent to The King’s School in Grantham, where he lodged with the local apothecary and was introduced to the fascinating world of chemistry.

• 1661: He enrolled at Trinity College, Cambridge, as a sizar—a student who receives financial aid in exchange for performing tasks.

• 1665: Newton obtained his bachelor’s degree. The Great Plague forced the university to close, leading Newton to return to Woolsthorpe for two years, where he began formulating his theories on calculus, optics, and the law of gravitation.

• 1667: Returning to Cambridge after the plague, Newton was elected a fellow of Trinity College.

• 1669: He was appointed Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge. He held the position for over 30 years.

• 1672: Newton was elected to the Royal Society after inventing the reflecting telescope.

• 1687: Published his most famous work, “Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica” (Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy), which established the laws of motion and universal gravitation.

• 1696: Newton moved to London to serve as Warden, and later Master, of the Royal Mint.

• 1703: He was elected President of the Royal Society, a position he held until his death.

• April 17, 1705: Newton was knighted by Queen Anne.

• 1727: Sir Isaac Newton passed away on March 31 and was buried in Westminster Abbey.

  • See the note above.

Other Timelines

• Isaac Newton Timeline (Britannica)

Isaac Newton's Faith

Newton’s faith played a significant role in his life and work. He was raised in a Protestant household and was deeply religious, though his beliefs were not orthodox by the standards of his time. He had a profound interest in biblical prophecy and the design and order of the universe, which he believed evidenced God’s master plan2. Newton’s conception of the physical world provided a stable and harmonious model that reflected his view of a monotheistic God as the masterful creator2. Despite his deep religious convictions, Newton was a private man when it came to his faith, and he did not publish his theological studies during his lifetime.

Newton’s religious views were complex and have been the subject of much scholarly debate. He rejected the doctrine of the Trinity, which was a central tenet of Anglicanism, and his nontrinitarian beliefs would have been considered heretical if made public2. Scholars now consider him a Nontrinitarian Arian, and he may have been influenced by Socinian Christology2. Newton’s theological writings suggest that he sought to understand Christianity in its purest form, stripped of centuries of human interpretation and dogma.

In his work, Newton often sought to reconcile science and religion, believing that the natural laws he discovered were an expression of God’s design2. He saw the universe as a grand riddle given by God to humanity to solve, and he dedicated his life to understanding its secrets. Newton’s religious pursuits were not separate from his scientific endeavours; rather, they were two facets of the same quest for knowledge.

Newton’s legacy is not only that of a pioneering scientist but also of a man whose faith and scientific inquiry were deeply intertwined. His work laid the foundations for classical mechanics and had a profound influence on the Enlightenment and subsequent scientific thought. Yet, his religious writings offer a glimpse into the spiritual life of a man who saw the universe as a creation of divine craftsmanship.

In summary, Isaac Newton’s life was marked by extraordinary intellectual achievements and a deep, albeit unorthodox, Christian faith that guided his understanding of the natural world. His contributions to science and his theological inquiries continue to inspire and challenge scholars to this day.

Key People In Isaac Newton's Life

• Robert Hooke: A scientist known for Hooke’s law of elasticity, he was a rival to Newton and their relationship was marked by intense debates over scientific ideas1.

• Sir Christopher Wren: An acclaimed architect, he also had interests in astronomy and was a contemporary of Newton1.

• Edmond Halley: The astronomer and mathematician who is best known for computing the orbit of the comet that bears his name, he encouraged Newton to publish his work on the laws of motion and gravitation1.

• John Flamsteed: As the Astronomer Royal, Flamsteed had conflicts with Newton over access to his astronomical observations, which Newton needed for his work2.

Newton also served as the president of the Royal Society for 24 years, a position that put him at the center of the scientific community of his time1. His interactions with these and other key figures helped shape his work and the development of scientific thought during the Scientific Revolution.

• Isaac Barrow: Newton’s mentor at Cambridge University and the man who recommended Newton to succeed him as the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics1.

• Henry More: A philosopher and theologian of the Cambridge Platonist school, More corresponded with Newton on alchemy and theological matters1.

• John Locke: The famous philosopher had a friendship with Newton and they exchanged ideas on various subjects including religion and philosophy1.

• Nicolas Fatio de Duillier: A Swiss mathematician who became very close to Newton, collaborating on the studies of gravitation1.

Newton’s relationships with his contemporaries were complex and often fraught with tension, but they were also crucial to the development of his theories and his legacy in the history of science.

People Influenced By Newton

Isaac Newton’s ground-breaking work in physics, mathematics, and astronomy had a profound influence on many famous individuals who came after him. Some of the most notable figures who were strongly influenced by Newton include:

• Albert Einstein: Newton’s laws of motion and his concept of universal gravitation laid the foundation for Einstein’s theory of general relativity1.

• James Clerk Maxwell: Known for his formulation of the classical theory of electromagnetic radiation, Maxwell was inspired by Newton’s work in mechanics and optics1.

• Pierre-Simon Laplace: A French mathematician and astronomer, Laplace built upon Newton’s work in celestial mechanics to develop the Laplacian determinism, a precursor to the concept of determinism in physics1.

These individuals, among others, were able to expand upon Newton’s theories and make significant contributions to their respective fields, largely due to the solid scientific foundation that Newton’s work provided.