Main Discoveries
- clarification of scientific method
- hypothesis, theory, math and experiment
- integral calculus
- ligh as combination of colors (wavelengths)
- rejection of ether as medium for light
- theory of universal gravity; the inverse square law
- Three Laws of Motion
- body stays at constant speed
- change in motion is proportional to force
- every action has equal and oppositve reaction
Personality
- Independent, self directed
- introvert, more interested in things and ideas than people
- focused, determined
by thinking of them without ceasing
- genius level in both creativivity and logic
- intensely curious
- religious
- melancholy at times, suffered two years bout of depression
Habits and Method or How he did it
- hands on, experimental from a young age
- walked often in order to think
- wrote every idea down, carried a notebook fro this purpose
- light diet, skipped meals at times
- scientific method of discovery –> his intention was to explain ideas rather than theorize about the underlying unknown explanation
- usually delayed publications, maybe because he was doing the work for himself and resented the attention created by publications
- asked great questions, brainstormed what questions to ask before exploring
truth, even in science, wilts like a flower
- page 546