Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton was born on December 25, 1642, in Woolsthorpe, Lincolnshire, England. He was the only son of a prosperous farmer, also named Isaac Newton, who had died three months before. His early life was marked by isolation due to the death of his parents. Newton's birthplace is now a historic house belonging to the National Trust.

In the year 1665, Isaac Newton began his 'Annus Mirabilis'—his 'Year of Wonders', at the age of just 23. During this period, he laid the groundwork for his theories of calculus and the laws of motion and universal gravitation. The impetus for this year of intense creativity was the closure of the University of Cambridge due to the Great Plague.

The famous anecdote that an apple fell on Isaac Newton's head and inspired his understanding of gravity happened around July 1666, during the time he was staying at Woolsthorpe during the plague. This incident is emblematic of Newton's profound insight into universal gravitation which later became the cornerstone for the laws of motion.

On September 1, 1669, Isaac Newton was appointed as the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge. This prestigious chair, held previously by Isaac Barrow, was instrumental in Newton's academic career. The position allowed him to focus on research and teaching, shaping the future of mathematics and physics through his innovative ideas.

Isaac Newton published his work 'Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica' on July 5, 1687. This work is one of the most important mathematical and scientific treatises ever written, laying the groundwork for classical mechanics. Newton formulated the laws of motion and universal gravitation, shaping our understanding of physical science.

Isaac Newton was elected as the Member of Parliament for the University of Cambridge in 1689. Newton served as an MP in the 'Convention Parliament' where he participated in sessions that involved the critical act of resolving constitutional crises that arose from the Glorious Revolution, although he left little political record.

Isaac Newton was appointed as the Warden of the Royal Mint on January 11, 1696. In this position, he showed great aptitude for administration and led reforms that greatly improved the practice of coinage. Newton was determined to rid England of the problem of widespread clipping and counterfeiting of coins, effectively revolutionizing the English monetary system.

In 1703, Isaac Newton was elected as the President of the Royal Society, a position which he held until his death. His presidency followed a period of innovative scientific research and discovery, contributing further to his legacy. Under his direction, the Royal Society promoted scientific communication and advancement during the Enlightenment.

Isaac Newton published 'Opticks' in 1704. In this major work, Newton explored the properties of light and color, presenting his theory that white light is a composite of all colors of the spectrum. This revolutionary work in optics was a significant advance in scientific understanding, stemming from his earlier work involving a glass prism and sunlight.

Sir Isaac Newton passed away on March 31, 1727, in Kensington, Middlesex, England. He died at the age of 84, leaving a legacy of unprecedented achievements in mathematics, astronomy, and physics. Newton was buried in Westminster Abbey beside other great scientists and reformers. His work and discoveries became fundamental in the Enlightenment's scientific revolution.