3. ISAAC NEWTON

(January 4, 1643 – March 31, 1727)

Isaac Newton is the greatest and the most influential scientist this world has ever known. His brilliance ramified all branches of Applied Mathematics. He made groundbreaking advances in Mechanics, Astronomy, Binomials, Calculus, Heat, Acoustics and Optics which revolutionized science like nobody did before or after him. Newton’s works on Mathematical Physics were ingenious, unprecedented and unparalleled. They outstripped his exploits on Fluxions; and ensured that his ratings as mathematician remained very high. His intellect complimented his voracious appetite for work. That was why he wrote extensively on Maths, Science, and Religion. In 1669 (aged 26), he succeeded Isaac Barrow as the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge. Settled in this position, he proceeded to give science the solid foundation it has today. This breath of fresh air has served as template for uncountable technological developments. Prior to Isaac Newton, our world emphasized Natural Philosophy; and after him, we transitioned to Science. Co-inventor of Calculus, his Principia Mathematica remains the most prized and the most revered publication in science. His influences and contributions were far-reaching: just as their impacts on the Scientific Revolution were unsurpassed. His Equivalence Principle paved the way for Albert Einstein’s Relativity Theory. But unlike Einstein (whose works depended on the math models provided by others such as Bernhard Riemann, Henri Poincare, Hendrik Lorentz, David Hilbert, Hermann Minkowski, etc.), Newton adeptly developed the math frameworks which anchored his theories and laws. This edge alongside boundless scope consolidated Newton’s superior versatility; and render fatuous, the frequent comparisons with Einstein.

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