Colorized illustration of Diamond, Newton's favourite dog, knocking over a candle and setting fire to manuscripts containing his notes on experiments conducted over the course of twenty years. According to one account, Newton is said to have exclaimed: O Diamond, Diamond, thou little knowest the mischief thou hast done. According to another account, Newton simply left a window open when he went to church, and the candle was knocked over by a gust of wind. Some historians claim that Newton never owned pets. Isaac Newton (December 25, 1642 - March 20, 1727) was an English physicist, mathematician, astronomer, natural philosopher, alchemist, and theologian. He died in his sleep in 1727. |