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Isaac Newton: The Last Magician

This 60-minute biography, part of the BBC’s Genius Of Invention season, reveals a much more complex figure by interviewing experts and delving into his own writings and those of his contemporaries. Newton emerges as an often divisive figure, one who lived a largely solitary life. In the secrecy of his study and laboratory, we find that he also delved into heretical religion, alchemy and the occult.

Sir Isaac Newton transformed how we understand the universe. By the age of 21, he had rejected 2,000 years of scientific orthodoxy to develop his own insights through a relentless and often dangerous, series of experiments. From his obsessions with light and gravity, to alchemy and biblical texts, Newton held no truth, or text, so sacred that it could not be questioned. His work put him at odds with fellow scientists and led to dark periods of isolation throughout his life.

But his genius could not be denied: he rose through the scientific ranks to become the President of the Royal Society and one of the most influential scientists in the world. His heretical religious views and his obsession with alchemy remained a closely guarded secret in his lifetime. After his death, his unpublished alchemical research and documents relating to his heretical views were buried to protect his reputation. They remained largely hidden until 1936 when they were purchased by the economist John Maynard Keynes. Keynes revealed that Newtown was a much more complex man than history had allowed. The programme concludes that Newton’s secret obsession with alchemy helped him to achieve some of his greatest scientific insights.

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  1. People didn’t even understand that reading a letter and acting are not the same thing. The documentary is really worth of your time if you’re interested in the history of physics.

  2. like if you have a problem leave thats all you gotta do

  3. Bro if you think these are “bad” actors then get out of here this is for education so go find something no need for the hate they didn’t deserve it they never did anything to you so please no hate comments. There are also kids on here

  4. Why are yall cussing like Bro kids watch this for school and its sad that yall are saying that if u really had a problem with it you should have never watched this video so please go find something better to do in you’re life

  5. Does anyone know ofa good book that explains what Calculus is and how it works in layman terms, I get that it measures rates of change in much modern technology but I am looking for concrete examples of integration and differentiation in technology and the Calculus used.

  6. Some would wonder why you ignorant fools would even watch something like this, You clearly couldn’t comprehend it

  7. Peice of shit actors i want to fuck them MOTHER FUCKER BITCH ASS ACTORS THEY SHOULD NEVER ACT IN THE FIRST PLACE GOD DAMN FUCKING BITCHES THERE VOICES MAKE ME WANT TO STRANGLE THEM

    • Perhaps if you took the time to read the on-screen preamble you would understand why the ‘acting’ seems so stilted.
      They are quoting from written letters. People don’t naturally speak in the same rhythms or tones as they write.
      Particularly so in 18th century England. It’s not a Hollywood script, They are reciting exactly what Newton wrote in his diaries and notebooks verbatim. The important aspect is the words – not the acting.
      As explained at the beginning of the documentary.

  8. UNWATCHABLE BECAUSE OF THE DOUCHEBAG NEWTON ACTORS. THEY’RE MORE ANNOYING THAN A VAGINAL PUBIC HAIR STUCK IN THE BACK OF MY THROAT!

    • Watched a doc on Galileo a while back and wanted to strangle the old git that played him with his own beard.