Interesting facts about Isaac Newton

Sir Isaac Newton was one of the most impressive characters in the world and he is mostly known as a great scientist who invented gravity. Yes, this is a great invention for science. He was an exceptional person and lead a very happy life. But there are some interesting facts found about him which most people do not have any idea. It would be fun to know more about him. And the matters are listed below.




[Image Credit: National Geographic]

Underweight Baby:

When Newton was born, he was underweight. He was too small in size and shape that he would fit into a quart mug – according to his mother.

Theory of Gravity:

This is considered the most important achievement of his life. He invented the theory of gravity after watching an apple to fall to the ground. The popular myth about sitting under a tree is not true actually and there is no solid reference against this claim that he really was sitting under an apple tree. Rather it is more convenient that he was walking by an apple tree and discovered the theory.

Farmer to Scientists:

He was born to a poor family. In his early life, his mother wanted him to be a farmer. His mother insisted him on visiting the farms after the school hours to know about farming activities. So, he was admitted to farming but expressed reluctance in this activity. Consequently, he failed in the farming tests. Then with the passage of time, he became a scientist.

Bookworm:

Newton was a bookworm particularly books on history. It is found that he owned more books dealing with historical issues and he had fewer books on science subjects.

Bad Temper:

Everyone knows him as a great scientist. But do you know he had a very bad temper? He often quarrelled with other people. And often he had to undergo troubles about the matter.

Nervous Breakdown:

Due to excessive pressure, he underwent two serious nervous breakdowns. Luckily, he overcame them and lead his life in an ordinary way.

Refractive Telescope:

He improved the existing telescopes which brought him fame to the scientist community. In fact, before the invention of the refractive telescope, he was not that much familiar as a scientist. And the refractive telescope had a great contribution to telescopes available in that era.

Disliked Criticism:

Sir Isaac Newton did not want to listen to criticism. In fact, he was less tolerant of the issue and had disputes about criticism with a Royal Academy member.

Wide Research Arena:

Newton, as a scientist, has worked on the various arena of science including optics, alchemy, mathematics, and astronomy. It is said that he wanted to know the way to transform everything into gold and thus studied alchemy. He also was interested in philosophy.

University Parliament Member:

Sir Isaac Newton was elected as a Member of the Parliament for University. But he did not continue on the post. He served only for one year as the Parliament Member. He was elected in 1700.

Royal Mint Warden:

He was appointed as the warden for the Royal Mint in 1696. He tried to perform his duties sincerely and wanted to remove corruption under his authority. He also brought some changes in the British currency.

A Virgin:

This is one of the most impressive information about him that Newton did never marry and died as a virgin. But the statement is partially true and there is no solid evidence that if he had did something behind the doors.

169 books on Alchemy:

Newton was extremely addicted to this branch of science. In fact, he wanted to know everything about the pseudoscience that transforms any metal into gold. So, he researched the issue and wrote 169 books about alchemy.

Obsession with the Bible:

Bible obsessed Newton. He had a close relationship with this book which helped him greatly to predict some specific things like the exact date when Jesus was crucified.

An orphan with a Step-father:

Newton’s father died before his birth and his mother remarried to change the financial condition of the family. Interestingly, the name of his father was Isaac Newton too.


Undoubtedly, Sir Isaac Newton was a great scholar and scientist. He led his life simply devoted all of his merits for the improvement of science. From a student of Trinity College to becoming a scientist, he had to struggle a lot but he followed his religion to a great extent.

Famous Quotes by Isaac Newton:

1. I can calculate the motion of heavenly bodies, but not the madness of people.

2. To every action, there is always opposed an equal reaction.

3. If I have ever made any valuable discoveries, it has been owing more to patient attention, than to any other talent.

4. To myself, I am only a child playing on the beach, while vast oceans of truth lie undiscovered before me.

5. We build too many walls and not enough bridges.

6. Truth is ever to be found in simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things.

7. I believe the more I study science, the more I believe in God.