Isaac Newton (England, 1642-1727) derived mathematical laws of mechanics that seemed perfection itself. Although superseded by Einstein's theory, Newton's equations are still used to calculate all but the most extreme motions. "Newton, forgive me," wrote Einstein; "you found the only way which in your age was just barely possible for a man with the highest powers of thought and creativity. The concepts which you created are guiding our thinking in physics even today..."

Newton's life                Life and equations                Catalog of the Scientific Community               His works (from Encarta )                The Universal Law of Gravitation