Category: Science & Technology
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Why was the year 1905 considered an annus mirabilis for Einstein?
Einstein too had an annus mirabilis like Newton. In 1905, Einstein published four scientific papers in the German journal Annalen der Physik. These four papers laid the foundation of modern physics by revolutionizing how the scientific community perceived fundamental concepts of space, time, mass, and energy. As all four papers were published in 1905, this…
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What makes Albert Einstein one of the legends in the history of science?
Albert Einstein is considered to be one of the most influential persons of the 20th century. His thoughts on space, time, motion and energy revealed new trajectories to the world. Astronomers use his work till day to study everything from gravitational waves to Mercury’s orbit. His contribution also extends to the philosophy of science. Einstein’s…
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Why is it said that it is nearly impossible to sum up Newton’s contributions to the scientific world?
Newton’s contributions to science are truly staggering. In a foreword to a twentieth century edition of Newtons Opticks, Albert Einstein wrote: “Nature was to him an open book, whose letters he could read without effort… In one person, he combined the experimenter, the theorist, the mechanic and, not least, the artist in exposition.…
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When did Newton die?
Sir Isaac Newton led an active life until his old age when age-related afflictions became a barrier. As he experienced inconsistencies due to weakness in the bladder, he was forced to limit his movements and follow dietary restrictions. He became ill with gout in 1725 and suffered haemorrhoids the next year. In the months prior…
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What were the connections between Newton and alchemy?
Alchemy is a proto-science which studies, among other things, the possible methods to transform base metals such as lead and copper into silver or gold. Alchemy also involves the search for the cure for diseases and a way to extend life. Alchemy is shrouded in mystery and secrecy. Newton has been considered as a credulous…
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How did Newton’s entry into the Parliament come about?
Despite his success as a scientist, Newton was at first largely inactive in the political arena. Later, he became the Member of Parliament, representing Cambridge University from 1689 to 1690. This had been the period when the Parliament enacted the Bill of Rights, which limited the power of the monarchy and laid out the rights…
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Why is it said that Newton was a scientific warden in the Royal Mint?
Among all the duties Newton had at the Royal Mint, the most impossible one was testing the purity and accuracy of coins. The coins had to be of the correct weight and fineness, with only the least difference from each other. The task of determining whether each coin was identical to the other, turned out…
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When was Isaac Newton appointed as the warden of the Royal Mint?
Isaac Newton was appointed as the warden of the Royal Mint in 1696. He received the position on the recommendation of Charles Montague, a well-known politician of the time. The prestigious post was intended as a reward for Newton’s scientific achievements. Newton took up the position at a crucial time as England was in the…
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When did Isaac Newton become the President of the Royal Society?
Isaac Newton became the president of the Royal Society in 1703. The 60-year-old Newton undertook responsibilities with his characteristic determination and energy. In the preceding years the Society had a series of politicians as its presidents. They were not concerned about the Society’s aims and the weekly meetings were no longer based on the scientific…
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When did Isaac Newton join the Royal Society? Who was his greatest rival there?
Newton was invited to join the Royal Society in early 1672. The Society had distinguished personalities such as Robert Boyle and Christopher Wren as its members at the time. Newton had seen the invitation to join as a great honour. He found a rival of his rank at the Society. It was Robert Hooke, who…