Chapter XIX: Isaac Newton (1642 - 1727)

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
  1. body stays at constant speed
  2. change in motion is proportional to force
  3. 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