ended lectures in classics, logic, ethics, rhetoric, and some mathematics. For his first three years there, he was a poor scholar. He earned his keep by looking after the richer students, the lecturers, and professors. He ran errands, served food, cleaned boots, and many other tasks. Newton was soon learning mathematics at a remarkable speed. He overwhelmed his teachers and went into new areas, studying geometry and algebra. One of his early advances was a development of the binomial theorem. Unexpectedly, a terrible and Great Plague of 1665 killed 70,000 people in London alone•10. The authorities closed important centers of learning, such as Cambridge University, and many students and teachers had to leave. He returned to his home in August to continue his work at the family home. During his away from school, Newton was mainly alone, away from the bustle of university life. This was probably the most important period of his life for scientific thought•11. He did not publish his work immediately in his scientific journals, it came out gradually in various ways over the following years. During the plague years, he was also working on different kinds of mathematics. He devised a new mathematical technique of flowing or changing quantities called calculus. It involves dealing with numbers that are not constant but changing•14. Newton also used his ideas to explain the motions of moons and planets. He was beginning to think instead about some form of invisible attraction between objects. The legend of the apple occurred during this time period, which led to the concept of gravity. After the great efforts and effects of the “Principia,” Newton’s scientific career was almost over. In 1693, he suffered a mental breakdown and therefore, he could not study science as much, but he slowly recovered. Newton could be charming and friendly some times, but aggressive and abusive at others. He was extremely sensitive...
