Sir Isaac Newton
The Black Death (orginial COVID?) inadvertently set the stage for one of Newton's most famous insights. In 1665, following an outbreak of the bubonic plague in England, Cambridge University closed its doors, forcing Newton to return home to Woolsthorpe Manor. While sitting in the garden, he saw an apple fall from a tree, providing him with the inspiration to formulate his law of universal gravitation. Newton later relayed the apple story to William Stukeley, who included it in his book, “Memoir of Sir Isaac Newton’s Life,” published in 1752. In 2010, a NASA astronaut carried a piece of the ancient apple tree aboard the space shuttle Atlantis for a mission to the International Space Station. The Royal Society, a scientific organization once headed by Newton, loaned the piece of the tree for the voyage. Today, the original apple tree continues to grow at Woolsthorpe Manor.
Other interesting facts:
- Newton served as Master of the Mint, overseeing all currency production and counterfitting measures in England.
- Newton had a serious interest in alchemy - which may have contributed to his death (Mercury = bad).
- Newton served two separate terms in Parliament (about 1 year each) and it is reported that he only spoke once - to ask an usher to shut a window.
- Newton grew up the son of an illerate farmer. After those humble beginnings, he was Knighted by Queen Anne and ultimately buried in Westminster Abbey among kings and queens. The only scientist to be buried in the Abbey.
This Gadget Cache pays homage to Sir Isaac Newton, his Universal Law of Gravity, and science in general. The coordinates should take you to a small area of trees right next to Primula Court. You are welcome to park anywhere along Primula Court while exploring this cache. Plenty of space on both sides of the street. This is easy to fine, but maaaaay take a few minutes to figure out. Plan accordingly. For you die hards out there I've been told 20-30 minutes is typical. If you need a hint my contact info is on the cache. Good luck!
Code for the lock is the year of Newton's birth.
Special thanks to WVTim & Baker6clan for the gadget cache inspiration!
FTF = The_Creeds Congratulations and thank you for helping me dial it in!
STF= Rufnredy Congrats and thanks as well for input!
Honorable Mention = ThompsonKickers for being TTF, having persistence and offering expert recommendations!
