Isaac newton History Timeline and Biographies

1642

Birth of Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton was born on December 25, 1642, in Woolsthorpe, Lincolnshire, England. His early life was marked by the death of his father before his birth and his mother's remarriage, which led to his upbringing by his grandmother.

1661

Isaac Newton Enrolls at Cambridge University

In 1661, Isaac Newton enrolled at Trinity College, Cambridge. This period marked the beginning of his formal education in mathematics and natural philosophy.

1665

The Plague and Newton's Annus Mirabilis

In 1665, the Great Plague forced Cambridge University to close. Isaac Newton returned to Woolsthorpe and during this period, known as his "Annus Mirabilis" or "Year of Wonders," he developed his theories on calculus, optics, and the law of gravitation.

1668

Isaac Newton Builds the First Reflecting Telescope

In 1668, Isaac Newton constructed the first practical reflecting telescope, known as the Newtonian telescope, which used a curved mirror to eliminate chromatic aberration.

1672

Isaac Newton Elected to the Royal Society

Isaac Newton was elected a fellow of the Royal Society in 1672, recognizing his significant contributions to science.

1687

Publication of Principia Mathematica

In 1687, Isaac Newton published his seminal work "Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica," which laid the foundations for classical mechanics and introduced the laws of motion and universal gravitation.

1696

Isaac Newton Appointed Warden of the Mint

In 1696, Isaac Newton was appointed Warden of the Royal Mint, a position in which he played a crucial role in reforming the English currency and combating counterfeiting.

1703

Isaac Newton Becomes President of the Royal Society

In 1703, Isaac Newton was elected President of the Royal Society, a position he held until his death, greatly influencing the direction of scientific research in England.

1704

Publication of Opticks

In 1704, Isaac Newton published "Opticks," a comprehensive study of light and color, which included his theories on the nature of light and his experiments with prisms.

1705

Isaac Newton Knighted by Queen Anne

In 1705, Isaac Newton was knighted by Queen Anne, becoming Sir Isaac Newton in recognition of his contributions to science and his service to the Royal Mint.

1713

Second Edition of Principia Mathematica

In 1713, the second edition of "Principia Mathematica" was published, with significant revisions and additional content, further cementing its importance in the scientific community.

1726

Publication of the Third Edition of Principia Mathematica

The third edition of "Principia Mathematica" was published in 1726, shortly before Newton's death, containing further refinements and clarifications of his theories.

1727

Death of Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton died on March 20, 1727, in London, England. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly shaped the course of science.

1755

In 1755, posthumously, Isaac Newton's work "The Chronology of Ancient Kingdoms Amended" was published, reflecting his interest in history and biblical chronology.

1871

Establishment of the Newton Medal

In 1871, the Royal Society established the Newton Medal, an award given in honor of Isaac Newton's contributions to science, recognizing outstanding achievements in physics and mathematics.