Early Modern | England

Isaac Newton

Also known as: Sir Isaac Newton · Father of Classical Mechanics

Mathematician - Physicist - Astronomer - Natural Philosopher

ScienceMathematicsPhysicsPhilosophyAstronomy

Born: 1643

Died: 1727

Era: Early Modern

Region: England

Birthplace: Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth, England

Isaac Newton was an English mathematician, physicist, astronomer, and natural philosopher who is widely regarded as one of the most influential scientists in history. His work Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica (1687) laid the foundations of classical mechanics and introduced the law of universal gravitation. He also independently developed calculus, formulated the three laws of motion, and advanced the understanding of optics and light. Newton served as Warden and later Master of the Royal Mint, and was President of the Royal Society. He was knighted by Queen Anne in 1705.

Timeline

1643 Event

Born in Woolsthorpe

Born prematurely on Christmas Day (Julian calendar) in Woolsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire, three months after the death of his father.

1661 Event

Entered Cambridge University

Enrolled at Trinity College, Cambridge, initially as a subsizar — working as a servant to pay his fees.

1666 Discovery

Annus Mirabilis

During a plague closure of Cambridge, Newton returned home and developed his theories on calculus, optics, and gravity — including the legendary apple incident.

1668 Discovery

Invented the Reflecting Telescope

Built the first practical reflecting telescope, using a curved mirror instead of a lens to eliminate chromatic aberration.

1672 Discovery

Theory of Light and Colour

Presented his discovery that white light is composed of a spectrum of colours to the Royal Society, founding the science of modern optics.

1687 Discovery

Principia Mathematica Published

Published Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica, establishing the three laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation — the foundation of classical physics.

1696 Event

Master of the Royal Mint

Appointed Warden, then Master of the Royal Mint in London, where he oversaw a major recoinage and vigorously prosecuted counterfeiters.

1703 Event

President of the Royal Society

Elected President of the Royal Society, a position he held until his death in 1727.

1705 Event

Knighted by Queen Anne

Became the second scientist ever to be knighted, receiving the honour from Queen Anne at Trinity College, Cambridge.

1727 Event

Death in London

Died on 20 March in Kensington, London, aged 84. He was buried with great ceremony in Westminster Abbey.

Family Tree

Parents

Isaac Newton Sr.

Father

1606–1642

Hannah Ayscough

Mother

1623–1679

Barnabas Smith

Stepfather

1582–1653

Subject & Siblings

Newton

Self

1643 - 1727

Children

Catherine Barton

Niece (lived with Newton)

1679–1739

Key Contributions

Apple Law of Universal Gravitation

Formulated the law that every mass attracts every other mass with a force proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of their distance.
Zap Three Laws of Motion

Newton's laws of motion form the foundation of classical mechanics, describing how objects behave under force — still used in engineering and physics today.
Calculator Invention of Calculus

Independently developed calculus (fluxions), the mathematical framework for understanding change and motion, simultaneously with Leibniz.
Sun Optics and Light

Demonstrated that white light is a mixture of all colours of the spectrum using a prism, and built the first reflecting telescope.

Fun Facts

Apple

The Apple Story

Newton reportedly watched an apple fall from a tree at Woolsthorpe Manor, which inspired his thinking about gravity. The story was told by Newton himself in old age, though likely simplified.

Eye

Stuck a Needle in His Eye

To study the nature of light and colour perception, Newton inserted a bodkin (blunt needle) between his eye socket and eyeball — and somehow retained his sight.

Cat

Invented the Cat Flap

Newton is credited with cutting a large hole and a smaller hole in his door for his cat and her kittens — an early version of the pet flap.

Bible

Secret Theologian

Newton secretly wrote over a million words on theology and biblical prophecy — far more than he wrote on science — and believed he had been chosen by God to decode the Bible.

Death

Kidney stones and inflammation of the bladder

March 20, 1727

Location

Location: Kensington, London, England

Burial: Westminster Abbey, London, England

Key Figures

Catherine Barton

Niece who cared for Newton in his final years in London.

Impact

Newton died as the most celebrated scientist in Europe, having transformed humanity's understanding of the physical world. His death prompted tributes from across the continent. Voltaire's visit to England partly inspired by Newton's state funeral helped spread Newtonian ideas throughout French Enlightenment thought.