Happy Newton Day!

Filed in Science and Health by on July 5, 2009

On this day in 1687, Sir Isaac Newton published probably the most important scientific book in history: Philosiphiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica.

The Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica, which is Latin for “mathematical principles of natural philosophy”, often Principia or Principia Mathematica for short, is a three-volume work by Isaac Newton published on 5 July 1687.[1][2] It contains the statement of Newton’s laws of motion forming the foundation of classical mechanics, as well as his law of universal gravitation and a derivation of Kepler’s laws for the motion of the planets (which were first obtained empirically). The Principia is “justly regarded as one of the most important works in the history of science”.[3]

In formulating his physical theories, Newton had developed a field of mathematics now known as calculus. However, the language of calculus as we know it was largely absent from the Principia. Instead, Newton cast the majority of his proofs in geometric form, although with many calculus-like arguments based on limits of vanishing small geometric quantities.

In just one book, Newton laid the foundation for modern physics (mechanical) and invented the field of calculus. Newton was a true genius and one of the most influential people who has ever lived.

For more details on Newton’s laws of motion click here.
For more details on the invention of calculus, click here.

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Opinionated chemist, troublemaker, blogger on national and Delaware politics.

Comments (10)

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  1. John Tobin says:

    My bad.
    I was all set to honor the Fig Newton,but it looks like Isaac Newton had a big impact too.
    Thanks , important stuff.

  2. I think Newton would be shocked what the math reveals about our debt.

    The latest increase raises federal obligations to a record $546,668 per household.

    Obama and his big spenders added a bunch more of debt.

    http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-05-28-debt_N.htm

    At this rate Obama will make the U S A a developing country not the leader of the world.

    Mike Protack

  3. anon says:

    Painful as it is Protack’s totally right. Obama is a muthafuckin communist and is intent on turning this country into a third world level banana republic so scum like this site’s writers can see their childish wet dreams come true. Osama’s enablers are legion but by no means a majority or even a consensus. He is pure dictator. The perfect epitome of leftist swine who are always wrong but never in doubt.

  4. liberalgeek says:

    What’s the plural of doofus?

  5. 🙄

    Protack-bot right on cue.

  6. anon says:

    Pull Obama’s tea bags off your lips for a moment and take a breath of fresh air.

  7. Joanne Christian says:

    UI-This is a chuckle. My otherwise scientific husband always refers to “Newton’s Lies” when discussing any of “his” topics.

  8. callerRick says:

    From 5th grade (sing along);

    “There is no refutin’
    There is no disputin’

    We’re all indebted
    To Sir Issac New-ton……..”