Recent Research Uncovers Sir Isaac Newton's Incorporation of Beer in Ink Creation
Research reveals that the physicist incorporated beer as an essential component in his ink formulations for penning revolutionary theories.
A recent study published in the Royal Society's journal _Notes and Records_ reveals that Sir Isaac Newton, a key figure in scientific history, created his ink using beer as a primary ingredient.
The research details two distinct ink formulations linked to Newton, one involving a quart of wine and the other a quart of 'strong beer or ale.'
Newton, renowned for formulating the laws of motion and universal gravitation, released his seminal work _Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica_ in 1687. Professor Stephen Snobelen from Dalhousie University and King's College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, who undertook an in-depth two-year investigation into Newton's ink production methods, proposes that the physicist likely composed some of his groundbreaking writings with the beer-based ink.
While comprehensive chemical analyses of the ink found in Newton's manuscripts have not yet been performed, it is acknowledged that using beer as an ink solvent was a common practice among 17th-century writers.
Snobelen noted that the survival of Newton's ink recipes illustrates his involvement in this craft during his studies at Cambridge University.
Historical records, including accounts from his laboratory assistant Humphrey Newton, indicate that the scientist consumed beer and ale at meals, though in moderation.
Records of his works contain various mentions of beer, ale, cider, and wine, along with household inventories and discussions regarding the selection of apple varieties for premium cider production.
Beyond his scientific endeavors, Newton is recognized for his writings on eschatology.
In a letter from 1704, he predicted that the world would end in 2060, basing this forecast on his Protestant interpretation of biblical texts, specifically the Book of Daniel and Revelation, where he understood the numerological days in these scriptures as years linked to apocalyptic events.
By analyzing the numbers 1260, 1290, and 2300, Newton associated them with key prophetic moments in biblical history.
Newton's body of work is extensive, with estimates suggesting he wrote enough content to fill the equivalent of 150 novels.
The research details two distinct ink formulations linked to Newton, one involving a quart of wine and the other a quart of 'strong beer or ale.'
Newton, renowned for formulating the laws of motion and universal gravitation, released his seminal work _Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica_ in 1687. Professor Stephen Snobelen from Dalhousie University and King's College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, who undertook an in-depth two-year investigation into Newton's ink production methods, proposes that the physicist likely composed some of his groundbreaking writings with the beer-based ink.
While comprehensive chemical analyses of the ink found in Newton's manuscripts have not yet been performed, it is acknowledged that using beer as an ink solvent was a common practice among 17th-century writers.
Snobelen noted that the survival of Newton's ink recipes illustrates his involvement in this craft during his studies at Cambridge University.
Historical records, including accounts from his laboratory assistant Humphrey Newton, indicate that the scientist consumed beer and ale at meals, though in moderation.
Records of his works contain various mentions of beer, ale, cider, and wine, along with household inventories and discussions regarding the selection of apple varieties for premium cider production.
Beyond his scientific endeavors, Newton is recognized for his writings on eschatology.
In a letter from 1704, he predicted that the world would end in 2060, basing this forecast on his Protestant interpretation of biblical texts, specifically the Book of Daniel and Revelation, where he understood the numerological days in these scriptures as years linked to apocalyptic events.
By analyzing the numbers 1260, 1290, and 2300, Newton associated them with key prophetic moments in biblical history.
Newton's body of work is extensive, with estimates suggesting he wrote enough content to fill the equivalent of 150 novels.
