
Initial Conditions: A Physics History Podcast
The Newton You Didn't Know
Sep 22, 2022
Renowned scientist Newton was also a biblical scholar, religious mystic, and alchemist. This episode explores Newton's alchemy and the blurred boundaries between science, religion, and mysticism. It discusses Newton's laws of motion and his belief that he could find God through the search for unifying principles.
40:20
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Quick takeaways
- Isaac Newton's alchemy was driven by his desire to understand God's will and uncover the hidden order and purpose of creation.
- Alchemy was not solely about turning base metals into gold, but also a search for deeper truths and the pursuit of hidden knowledge.
Deep dives
Newton's Alchemical Work in Pursuit of God's Will
Isaac Newton's alchemical work was driven by his desire to understand God's will. He believed that by studying alchemy, he could get closer to a deeper truth about the natural world and its connection to the divine. Newton treated alchemy as a scientific endeavor, meticulously recording his experiments and processes. He focused on transmuting matter, exploring the vegetative principle that gives rise to life and diversity in the world. Newton's alchemy was not separate from his other scientific pursuits; rather, it was part of his broader project to uncover the hidden order and purpose of creation.
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