Overview
Isaac Newton's monumental work is unparalleled in the history of scientific thought. In seventeenth century England, he developed three laws of motion that, combined with his principle of universal gravitation, explained the elemental forces of the universe. His experiments in optics revolutionized our understanding of the nature of light. To better explain his discoveries, he created a new method of mathematics, which today we call calculus. His genius has shaped our perception of the universe we inhabit. Perhaps the most profound scientific thinker ever to live, Isaac Newton was also a complex, quarrelsome, and private man, who was as devoted to theology and the ancient art of alchemy as he was to science. Isaac Newton: Organizing the Universe brings this intriguing man and his provocative ideas to life for a new generation of readers.Presents the life and work of the famous seventeenth-century British physicist.
Synopsis
Isaac Newton's monumental work is unparalleled in the history of scientific thought. In seventeenth century England, he developed three laws of motion that, combined with his principle of universal gravitation, explained the elemental forces of the universe. His experiments in optics revolutionized our understanding of the nature of light. To better explain his discoveries, he created a new method of mathematics, which today we call calculus. His genius has shaped our perception of the universe we inhabit. Perhaps the most profound scientific thinker ever to live, Isaac Newton was also a complex, quarrelsome, and private man, who was as devoted to theology and the ancient art of alchemy as he was to science. Isaac Newton: Organizing the Universe brings this intriguing man and his provocative ideas to life for a new generation of readers.
Mary Loftus - Children's Literature
This book is a good resource for a research project, or to supplement a science text. Any student reluctant to read this latest in the "Renaissance Scientists" series need only be told that Isaac Newton has something in common with another famous Englishman, Harry Potter. Newton devoted part of his life to the pursuit of the philosopher's stone. Alchemy, the precursor to chemistry, was the science behind his effort to discover not an actual stone, but a liquid said to hold the power of immortality. Less sensational, but no less fantastic pursuits led to the discovery of the laws of motion and centripetal force. Newton's study of light is the topic of one chapter; he was the first to construct a reflecting telescope. This scientist was also the first to establish calculus, although that claim was a subject of controversy later in his life. Surprisingly, "although Newton is known mainly for his great scientific writings, he actually wrote more on religion than any other subject." Boerst takes the readers through the journey of Isaac Newton's life: from a solitary child abandoned by his mother to a knight, from university student to head of the Royal Society, from scientific inquiry to his private dissent from the religious doctrine of the day. The text is enhanced by color pictures, charts and sidebars. A timeline, source notes, bibliography and related web sites are also included. 2004, Morgan Reynolds Publishing, Ages 12 to 18.
Editorials
Children's Literature
This book is a good resource for a research project, or to supplement a science text. Any student reluctant to read this latest in the "Renaissance Scientists" series need only be told that Isaac Newton has something in common with another famous Englishman, Harry Potter. Newton devoted part of his life to the pursuit of the philosopher's stone. Alchemy, the precursor to chemistry, was the science behind his effort to discover not an actual stone, but a liquid said to hold the power of immortality. Less sensational, but no less fantastic pursuits led to the discovery of the laws of motion and centripetal force. Newton's study of light is the topic of one chapter; he was the first to construct a reflecting telescope. This scientist was also the first to establish calculus, although that claim was a subject of controversy later in his life. Surprisingly, "although Newton is known mainly for his great scientific writings, he actually wrote more on religion than any other subject." Boerst takes the readers through the journey of Isaac Newton's life: from a solitary child abandoned by his mother to a knight, from university student to head of the Royal Society, from scientific inquiry to his private dissent from the religious doctrine of the day. The text is enhanced by color pictures, charts and sidebars. A timeline, source notes, bibliography and related web sites are also included. 2004, Morgan Reynolds Publishing, Ages 12 to 18.—Mary Loftus