Isaac Newton

The ideas here are retold from the historical record, drawn from the sources each event cites. Isaac Newton never posted on Veritula. To report a mistake, email veritula@dennishackethal.com.

Chronicled events

1. July 5, 1687·​Newton Publishes the Principia
   #5752

   Every object pulls on every other object. The pull grows with their masses and weakens with the square of the distance between them. This one law explains the orbits of the planets and why things fall on Earth.

2. 1706·​Newton Makes Light a Stream of Particles
   #5819

   Light is a stream of tiny particles thrown off by shining things. They fly in straight lines, which is why shadows are sharp. Glass and water pull them in as they enter, which bends their path and speeds them up.

   #5820

   A wave would bend around an obstacle and spread into its shadow, as sound bends around a corner. But light casts sharp shadows.