Scott Harrison: Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton (1642-1727)

Nature and nature's laws lay hid in night: God said, Let Newton be! and all was light. —Alexander Pope, "Epigram on Sir Isaac Newton"

It did not last: the Devil howling "Ho! Let Einstein be!" restored the status quo. —J. C. Squire (1884-1958), "Answer to Pope's Epitaph for Sir Isaac Newton"

When Newton saw an apple fall, he found... A mode of proving that the earth turn'd round In a most natural whirl, call "gravitation"; And thus is the sole mortal who could grapple, Since Adam, with a fall or with an apple. —Byron, "Don Juan", X.i.

A calculus fit to compute on, White light, and a head to drop fruit on, A mind to absorb it, And soar into orbit— That's all that it takes to be Newton. —Gina Berkeley

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