Myth Busting: Isaac Newton’s Legacy and the True Origins of Calculus and Gravity

The myth that Isaac Newton was a fraud and that he stole his ideas from India has gained traction in recent years. This article aims to clarify the facts and place Newton's contributions in their historical context.

Isaac Newton: A Scientific Titan

Isaac Newton (1642-1726) is widely regarded as one of the greatest physicists in history. His groundbreaking work, namely the Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica, laid the foundations for classical mechanics and introduced the laws of motion and universal gravitation. These discoveries had a profound impact on both science and human understanding of the universe.

The Discovery of Gravity

Newton's discovery of gravity is one of the most disputed claims. It is often asserted that the idea of gravitation originated in India. However, this is a misconception. The concept of gravity has roots in ancient Indian texts, such as the Scommendu which discusses the nature of the universe, but the idea as we understand it today was co-discovered by Newton and Leibniz, independently of any Indian influence.

The Cavendish Experiment: Gravity in Every Object

The gravitational force is not limited to massive objects but affects every particle in the universe. This was confirmed through the Cavendish Experiment, which provided empirical evidence that gravity is exerted by all objects, regardless of their size. This experiment, conducted in the 18th century, proved that Newton’s laws of universal gravitation hold true.

Calculus: A Mathematical Marvel

Calculus, a powerful mathematical tool, is another of Newton's achievements. Contrary to popular belief, it was independently developed by both Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. While Newton's notation and approach were more intuitive for the problems he was tackling, Leibniz's formalism is more widely used today. Both contributions were vital for the advancement of mathematics and physics.

Colonialism and Scientific Credit

The claim that ancient Indian scientists, particularly those in Tamil Nadu, were capable of discovering gravity before Newton is a valid argument. However, it is important to acknowledge that colonialism and the destruction of Indian institutions played a significant role in the erasure of scientific knowledge. Modern scientific credit is often given to Western scientists, even when the ideas and methods evolved from earlier non-Western traditions.

The Impact of Colonialism on Indian Scientific Heritage

During the colonial era, the British destroyed or marginalized many of India’s scientific institutions and texts. The displacement of knowledge and the naming of discoveries after European figures have led to a partial erasure of India’s historical scientific contributions. Notable Indian scientists like Bhaskara II (1114-1185) and Aryabhata (476-550 CE) made significant contributions to mathematics and astronomy, but their work was often overlooked or neglected.

The Controversy and Crediting Historical Discoveries

The controversy surrounding Newton’s legacy and the true origins of calculus and gravity highlights the complex nature of historical attribution in science. The credit for scientific discoveries is often given to the most prominent and recognized figure, regardless of whether others had similar or independent ideas. Whether it is Newton, Leibniz, or ancient Indian scholars, the truth is that scientific progress is a collaborative process that builds on the work of many individuals over time.

The Manipulation of Scientific History

Historical records can be manipulated, leading to unfair attribution of scientific discoveries. This is not a new phenomenon and has occurred in many fields, including the interpretation of World War histories and the origins of cultural practices. The manipulation of scientific history often serves to reinforce nationalistic narratives and downplay the contributions of other cultures.

A Call for Fair Credit

Advancing scientific knowledge and understanding requires recognizing the contributions of all cultures and individuals. The scientific community must strive to give credit where it is due and celebrate the collaborative nature of discovery. This involves acknowledging the impact of ancient Indian scholars and the contributions of other non-Western traditions.

Conclusion

The myth that Isaac Newton was a fraud and stole his ideas from India is unfounded. While ancient Indian scientists made significant contributions to the understanding of gravity and other areas of science, modern credit is often given to Western scientists. The true legacy of Newton and other great scientists lies in their innovative ideas and their ability to build upon the work of their predecessors.