Sir Isaac Newton (1643–1727) was an English polymath renowned as one of the most influential scientists in history. He made foundational contributions to mathematics, physics, astronomy, optics, and natural philosophy during the Scientific Revolution of the 17th century
. Newton is best known for:
- Formulating the three laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation, which laid the groundwork for classical mechanics and dominated scientific thought until the 20th century
- Publishing Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica (1687), a seminal work unifying physics and describing planetary motion, tides, and other phenomena
- Developing infinitesimal calculus independently around the same time as Leibniz
- Advancing the understanding of light and color, including his theory of white light as a mixture of colors and his work on optics
- Serving as Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University and later as Warden and Master of the Royal Mint, improving British coinage
Newton was also deeply engaged in alchemy, theology, and biblical studies, though much of this work was unpublished in his lifetime
. He was knighted in 1705 and served as president of the Royal Society
. His legacy endures as the central figure who shaped modern science and our understanding of the physical universe
