Newton, Sir Isaac. Born December 25, 1642, at Woolsthorpe in Lincolnshire, and early displayed a talent for mechanics and drawing. Newton was educated at Grantham School and at Trinity College, Cambridge, and studied mathematics with the utmost assiduity. In 1667, he obtained a fellowship; in 1669, the mathematical professorship; and in 1672, he became a member of the Royal Society. It was during his abode at Cambridge that Newton made his three great theories: fluxions, the nature of light and colors, and the laws of gravitation. The "Principia" was published in 1687. In that year also Newton was chosen one of the delegates to defend the privileges of the university against James II. In 1689 and 1701 Newton was elected one of the members of parliament for the university. He was appointed warden of the mint in 1696; was made master of it in 1699; was chosen president of the Royal Society in 1703; and was knighted in 1705. He died March 20, 1727. Among his works are: "Arithmetica Universalis," "A New Method of Infinite Series and Fluxions," "Optics," "The Chronology of Ancient Kingdom," amended; and "Observations on the Prophecies of Daniel" and the "Apocalypse."

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