newton (N)		Sir Isaac Newton (1642–1727)1

Isaac Newton was an English physicist and mathematician who made many important scientific discoveries. In the area of temperature measurement, he considered how thermometers could provide standard, reproducible values, and adopted Huygens' idea of a temperature scale defined by two fixed values. Huygens had suggested the freezing and boiling points of water as the two reference values. Newton kept the freezing point as his lower fixed value, but suggested that the upper reference be equal to the human body temperature. He then divided the range between the two reference values into 12 equal segments (so the body temperature would be equal to 12 degrees on this scale). Newton extrapolated the scale to warmer temperatures and found that its value for the boiling point of water would be about 33 degrees. He put forth these ideas in 1701. Roemer and Fahrenheit would later build on this approach. It is interesting to note that Newton's scale corresponds closely to the modern degree Celsius temperature scale in the following way: if we multiply Newton's reference values by 3, then we retain 0° (3x 0) for the freezing point of water (0°C), and obtain 36° (3x 12) for the normal human body temperature (actually 37°C) and 99° (3x 33) for the boiling point of water (actually 100°C).

Newton studied the properties of light, and confirmed Descartes' observation that white light would be separated into its constituent colors through the process of refraction. He then developed a theory to explain the colors, and showed in his work Opticks, published in 1704, that his theory explained the arrangement of colors observed in a rainbow.

To honour his scientific work, Newton's name was given to the SI (International System of Units) unit of force. One newton is equal to one kilogram meter per second squared.

See also the X-ray Multi-mirror Mission (XMM) / Newton astronomical satellite that was launched in 1999.

¹Isaac Newton was born on 25 December 1642 on the Julian Calendar. On the Gregorian Calendar, Newton's birth occurred 4 January 1643. Note also the XMM / Newton satellite (launched 1999-12-10).
²The telescopes on these items are similar in design to those identified as "Newton's reflector" or "Newton's telescope" on other items.
³The locomotives on these items are similar in design to that credited to "Isaac Newton" on Benin 1165.
⁴These postal cards are only some of a large number of similar cards issued by China for various scientists. No effort is made to list all such cards.

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