Sir Isaac Newton lived from January 4, 1643 to March 31, 1727. He is commonly hailed as the father of classical mechanics and one of the most influential scientists and mathematicians of all time. Beyond developing calculus, which serves as the infrastructure for modern astronomy, he discovered the fundamental laws that govern bodies of terrestrial and astronomical scales. This include the law of universal gravitation, the laws of motion, and the behavior of light. In the mid 17th century there was an outbreak of the plague in Europe. This contributed to Newton’s reclusive and antisocial nature. Newton’s behavior made him notoriously difficult to work with, leading to many notable feuds with fellow scientists and mathematicians, including physicist Robert Hooke. In 1703, Hooke died. As Newton’s long time rival, Hooke had discovered many principals, such as the inverse square law, that laid the foundation for future astronomers. During this time period, King Charles II rose to power following the beheading of Charles II, restoring the English monarchy.
Through studying the historical context of Newton’s life, I have discovered an insight into the nature of science. Regardless of the politics or misfortunes of the world, science will always progress. Even when suppressed by religious groups, progress is always made, and our understanding of the universe around us will always grow.
Jacob Fine's AstroBlog 