Sir
Isaac Newton ( 04 January 1643 – 31 March 1727) was an English
mathematician, physicist, astronomer, alchemist, theologian, and author
who was described in his time as a "natural philosopher". He was a key
figure in the philosophical revolution known as the Enlightenment. His
book Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica (Mathematical
Principles of Natural Philosophy), first published in 1687, established
classical mechanics. Newton also made seminal contributions to optics,
and shares credit with German mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz
for developing infinitesimal calculus.
Beyond his work on the
mathematical sciences, Newton dedicated much of his time to the study of
alchemy and biblical chronology, but most of his work in those areas
remained unpublished until long after his death. Politically and
personally tied to the Whig party, Newton served two brief terms as
Member of Parliament for the University of Cambridge, in 1689–1690 and
1701–1702. He was knighted by Queen Anne in 1705 and spent the last
three decades of his life in London, serving as Warden (1696–1699) and
Master (1699–1727) of the Royal Mint, as well as president of the Royal
Society (1703–1727).
Newton died in his sleep in London on 31
March 1727 .After his death, Newton's hair was examined and found to
contain mercury, probably resulting from his alchemical pursuits.
Mercury poisoning could explain Newton's eccentricity in late life
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