Program Information

English scientist and mathematician, Sir Isaac Newton, is regarded as one of the founders of modern science. Part science, part mysticism, part illusion, part religion, the medieval art of alchemy fascinated Isaac Newton.

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Transcript

Lead: Part science, part mysticism, part illusion, part religion, the medieval art of alchemy fascinated Isaac Newton.

Intro.: A Moment in Time with Dan Roberts.

Content: English scientist and mathematician, Sir Isaac Newton, is regarded as one of the founders of modern science. His theories of motion and gravity and studies of light and color were crafted within an early modern scientific view of the universe. Beneath the scientific genius, though, were personal interests that reflected Newton’s times and existed in the shadowy borderlands between science, magic and religion. Staunchly anti-Catholic, Newton had a keen interest in politics in turbulent late 17th century Britain and he had an awareness of theology and religious issues.

For a period of time Newton was fascinated by the “pseudo-science” of alchemy, in fact, he kept notebooks on his experiments. Alchemy is a primitive form of chemistry and was popular in Western Europe from early Christianity until the dawn of the eighteenth century. It sought to transform base metals into gold, which was believed to be the perfect metal. Alchemists were also keen to discover the “elixir of life,” – a substance that would cure human illnesses and lengthen existence.

The vehicle for this transformation was the “philosopher’s stone,” an unknown substance the discovery of which was the alchemists’ dream. Because such a discovery would usher in riches and fame beyond one’s wildest imagination, Alchemists used coded language and riddles to disguise their experiments. Other alchemists would seek to make sense of the work of their competitors to steal an advance or potential discovery. Many alchemists, including many scientists and great minds of the time such as Robert Boyle and John Locke, were drawn to the mystery and challenged by the ancient art. After reading Newton’s alchemical notebooks he had purchased at auction in 1942, John Maynard Keynes said, “Newton was not the first of the age of reason, he was the last of the magicians.”

At the University of Richmond, this is Dan Roberts.

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