He becomes acquainted with the movers and shakers of politics and society. Newton's role in leadership at Cambridge wins him a seat in Parliament. Its principles are the basis of modern science. In 1687, Newton's "Principia" is published. Newton realizes that the application of his discovery could have wider implications. Halley pays Newton to write a book about his discovery. Newton explains that the force retaining the planets in their orbits is the same as terrestrial gravity. Newton's paper "On the Notion of Revolving Objects" becomes the Holy Grail to scientists like Edmund Halley. Rational God/Rational Universe (01:04)Īt the heart of all Newton's work is the conviction that a rational god made a rational universe whose laws could be discerned by analysis and mathematics. He wants to know the real meaning of the Book of Revelations and the Book of Daniel. The passion and intensity of Newton's work in mathematics and science pale in comparison to his study of theology. Newton is convinced he is to use his God-given genius to reveal the lost wisdom of alchemy. He finds this in the philosophy of alchemy. Newton seeks a natural philosophy of spirit rather than matter. The mechanical philosophy of Descartes removes God from nature, something abhorrent to Newton. He questions the veracity of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. In 1659, Newton succeeds Isaac Barrow as head of Trinity's mathematics department. Newton's Rejection of Cartesian Philosophy (02:09) Newton constructs a telescope that is free of chromatic aberration by replacing the primary lens with a mirror. Newton establishes that white light contains rays of different colors therefore, color is a property of light, not objects. Newton and the Study of Light and Color (04:18) Newton is reticent about his discoveries and refuses to publish. The invention of calculus is a major breakthrough in mathematics, allowing measurement of continuously changing motion and areas of complex shapes. His interest in Cartesian philosophy brings him into contact with Sir Isaac Barrow, who recognizes Newton's genius. In 1660, Newton is enrolled at Trinity College, Cambridge. It is here that his interest in science is ignited and nurtured. He reunites with his mother at age 11, attends school, and finally works in an apothecary shop. Newton gets off to a rocky start in life, and no one holds out hope that he will live. His observations of the laws of the universe would one day make it possible for humans to go into space. Later scientists marvel at his extraordinary genius. Newton shows that the natural world is mathematical. Introduction: Sir Isaac Newton (02:26) FREE PREVIEW
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