So far we have studied Newton’s method for root finding, Newton’s method for polynomial interpolation, and the Newton-Cotes methods for numerical integration.  You’ve probably also heard of Newton’s laws of planetary motion, Newton’s three laws of motion, Newton’s  and the SI unit of force, the Newton.

We owe a lot to Sir Isaac Newton.  Among these things that bear his name, he is also credited with the invention of calculus*, demonstration numerous qualities of light, invention of the reflecting telescope, first proposing the existence of the ether, and discovery of a method for estimating pi.

In addition to these practices in the sciences, he was also a devote Christian and wrote a great deal on theological matters.  He believed that God created the universe that obeyed certain discoverable fundamental laws.  His studies of alchemy have lead some (John Keynes) to describe him as “the last magician.”

*Some would claim Gottfried Leibniz invented calculus, and it is definitely possible that they are correct.  The subject of who invented calculus was hotly debated in intellecutual circles of the time, and some believe that the two were simply systematic of great minds thinking alike.

A biography: http://www.newton.cam.ac.uk/newton.html
A summary of his works: http://www.newton.cam.ac.uk/newtlife.html
And of course, wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Newton