Mathematics and natural philosophy · England · 1643–1727
Isaac Newton Life & Career Timeline
Motion, gravitation, light and a mathematical language for physical nature.
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INIsaac NewtonMathematics and natural philosophy · England
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About Isaac Newton
Newton united terrestrial and celestial mechanics, transformed optics and helped establish calculus and institutional science.
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Isaac Newton biography
Isaac Newton timeline: key events
Explore 18 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born at Woolsthorpe
Isaac Newton was born prematurely at Woolsthorpe Manor under the modern Gregorian calendar.
Source: www.newtonproject.ox.ac.ukAttends the King’s School
Living with an apothecary’s family encouraged practical experimentation and model making.
Source: www.newtonproject.ox.ac.ukEnters Trinity College
Newton studied the prescribed Aristotelian curriculum while privately reading new mathematics and natural philosophy.
Source: www.newtonproject.ox.ac.ukGraduates from Cambridge
He received a bachelor’s degree as plague began closing the university.
Source: www.newtonproject.ox.ac.ukPlague years at Woolsthorpe
Away from Cambridge, Newton developed foundational ideas in calculus, optics and gravitation.
Source: www.newtonproject.ox.ac.ukElected fellow of Trinity
The fellowship established his academic career.
Source: www.newtonproject.ox.ac.ukLucasian Professor
Newton succeeded Isaac Barrow in the university’s mathematics chair.
Source: www.newtonproject.ox.ac.ukBuilds reflecting telescope
A compact instrument using mirrors reduced chromatic aberration and impressed the Royal Society.
Source: www.newtonproject.ox.ac.ukElected to the Royal Society
Newton soon published his prism experiments and theory of colour.
Source: www.newtonproject.ox.ac.ukNew Theory about Light and Colours
He argued that white light is composed of rays with different refrangibility.
Source: www.newtonproject.ox.ac.ukCorresponds with Robert Hooke
Their exchange about orbital motion helped refocus Newton on celestial mechanics, amid later priority disputes.
Source: www.newtonproject.ox.ac.ukHalley asks about planetary orbits
Edmond Halley’s visit prompted Newton to recover and extend his calculation of inverse-square motion.
Source: www.newtonproject.ox.ac.ukPrincipia published
The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy presented laws of motion and universal gravitation.
Source: www.newtonproject.ox.ac.ukMember of Parliament
Newton represented Cambridge University in the Convention Parliament.
Source: www.newtonproject.ox.ac.ukWarden of the Royal Mint
He moved to London and pursued currency reform and counterfeiters with unusual intensity.
Source: www.newtonproject.ox.ac.ukMaster of the Mint
Newton supervised the institution after the Great Recoinage.
Source: www.newtonproject.ox.ac.ukPresident of the Royal Society
He led the society until his death, exerting great influence over British science.
Source: www.newtonproject.ox.ac.ukDies in Kensington
Newton died aged eighty-four and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
Source: www.newtonproject.ox.ac.ukExplore related timelines
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About the Isaac Newton timeline
Who is Isaac Newton?
Newton united terrestrial and celestial mechanics, transformed optics and helped establish calculus and institutional science.
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This public timeline currently contains 18 sourced moments spanning 1643–1727.
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