Isaac Newton ... Standing on the Shoulders of Giants (The New Mathematics for the Millions Book 6)

Sir Isaac Newton is one of the truly remarkable mathematicians and physicist of the 17th century. In a real sense his work launched the scientific age.

Newton’s contribution to 17th century science is so singularly important that it can be measured as equal to the contributions of all his contemporaries added together. Such a happenstance occurs rarely in the history of science. In the 20th century a comparable measure would be Albert Einstein or Paul Dirac measured against the contributions of all others.

Newton was born on Christmas Day, 1642 in the year Galileo died. Never for the past five centuries has there been such a Christmas gift to the world.

If Christ has been the first gift of the first millennium, then little Isaac would have to be the second gift for the second millennium, and in modern terms would be wise to measure time by B.N. (before Newton) and A.N. (After Newton).

Newton is the father of modern Calculus, as well as classical and celestial mechanics. This book looks at his calculus, his three laws of motion, his Universal Theory of Gravitation. the derivation of Kepler's Third Law, as well as the theory of tidal acceleration.

Newton is remembered for many things including two of his remarkable quotes:

“Hypothese non fingo – I do not speculate”

and

“I have seen further because I have stood on the shoulders of Giants.”

Sir Isaac Newton prided himself in the rigour of his mathematics and physics and therefore did not have to make silly speculations like many of his contemporaries, and he was not reluctant to give praise where praise was due.

There are a number of book questions to challenge the reader.