Isaac Newton (1642–1727) was an English polymath who made foundational contributions to mathematics, physics, astronomy, optics, and natural philosophy, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential scientists in history. He was a key figure in the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment. Newton is best known for:

• Formulating the three laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation, which laid the groundwork for classical mechanics and dominated scientific understanding until the 20th century.
• Publishing Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica (1687), a seminal work that unified physics and described planetary motion, tides, and other phenomena using mathematical principles.
• Developing calculus (independently and contemporaneously with Leibniz), providing essential mathematical tools for science.
• Discovering that white light is composed of a spectrum of colors, foundational to modern optics.
• Inventing the reflecting telescope and advancing the study of light and color through experiments with prisms.

Newton's work unified celestial and terrestrial mechanics under the same laws and refined the scientific method, profoundly shaping modern science. He was also active in alchemy, theology, and served as an official mintmaster. Newton died in 1727 and was honored with burial in Westminster Abbey, a rare distinction for a scientist