1612 was the year in which Galileo ended an era and handed the future into Newton’s hands ,who was born the same year.

Galileo in his time was a great scientist.He developed a telescope and through his observations drew the conclusion that the earth moved around the sun.This was contrary to the  belief of the church at that time.His book was banned.The church maintained that the earth was the centre of the unuiverse and the sun moved around the earth.

Image via Wikipedia Galileo at the Inquistion.

For his heroism at declaring something so diverse to the religious autority, he was charged with heresy and convicted for heresy.He was under house arrest .Ultimately,he had to bow under pressure and had to recant all of Copernicus’ doctrines and do penance.

Newton was a pure scientist.He was a recluse, involved in himself and his research.He took up a topic or subject and after coming to a logical end,never went back to it again.

The first subject he took up was mathematics and developed calculus but did not bother to publish it.His work was always very thorough and perfected to the last detail in whatever he did.He did his mathematical study and research early on in his life and never visited it again.Same with optics,phycis  or the laws of motion and astrology.

Image via Wikipedia Newton’s First and Second Laws of Motion in Latin

He even dabbled in Alchemy which was prohibited in those days.He did his experiments in his chamber with an assisted in top secrecy.Alchemy in those days was thought popularly as the science of turning substances into gold.It is said that he developed white hair prematurely and scars due to accidents with chemicals .

He had his Principia published at the age of forty four.He did not venture back into science therafter.He did a body of research in theology,Newton was mostly an atheist but hid it from the world.He did not want this to interfere with his political progress.

During his lifetime he was a Professor of Mathematics in Cambridge,where he was a student.His often taught to empty classes.He was also appointed as Warden of the Mint and shifted to London.He ran for and was elected to Parliament twice.He was also elected as President of Royal Society in 1703 ,a position he held until his death.

Image via Wikipedia  Royal Society Coat of arms

In his old age,he took in an orphaned nephew and took care of his education.He even donated money to many of his relatives,whoever asked.He  was a humorless man and never married.He had no interest in literature,music,country,life,food,women or social diversion.