Isaac Newton

Historical Milestone: Author of *Principia Mathematica* (1687); formulated laws of motion, universal gravitation, and co-invented calculus Education (Trinity College, Cambridge): Educated at The King's School, Grantham. Admitted to Trinity College, Cambridge in 1661 as a sizar (paying his way by waiting tables and cleaning rooms for wealthier students), earning his Bachelor of Arts in August 1665. The Plague Years (1665–1667): When Cambridge closed due to the Great Plague, returned to Woolsthorpe Manor. In 18 months of isolated contemplation, developed the method of fluxions (differential and integral calculus), proved white light is a composite of the visible spectrum via glass prisms, and formulated the inverse-square law of universal gravitation after observing a falling apple. Principia, Leibniz Dispute & Counterfeit Hunting: Published *Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica* in 1687 (funded by Edmond Halley), establishing classical mechanics for over two centuries. Engaged in a bitter priority dispute with Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz over the invention of calculus. Appointed Warden (1696) and Master (1699) of the Royal Mint, transforming into a ruthless prosecutor who personally cross-examined and sent notorious counterfeiter William Chaloner to the gallows in 1699. Lost £20,000 (millions today) in the 1720 South Sea Bubble crash. Never married.