Sir Isaac Newton, the renowned physicist and mathematician, may have relied on an unexpected ingredient when crafting his revolutionary theories – beer.
Recent research suggests that Newton’s seminal work, including his theory of gravity, was likely written using homemade ink with beer as a key component.
The Surprising Discovery
A study published in the Royal Society’s journal Notes and Records has unveiled two ink recipes found among Newton’s various works. One recipe calls for a quart of wine, while the other utilises a quart of “strong beer or ale”. This revelation sheds new light on the methods employed by one of history’s most influential scientists.
Professor Stephen Snobelen from Dalhousie University and King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, has spent nearly two decades researching Newton’s personal beer flagon and his use of beer. The professor believes that Newton likely used his beer-based ink recipe to write his magnum opus, “Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica”.
Newton’s Homemade Ink Recipe
The study reveals Newton’s precise instructions for creating his unique ink:
“To make excellent Ink. ℞ ½lb of Galls cut in pieces or grosly beaten, ¼lb of Gumm Arabick cut or broken. Put ’em into a Quart of strong bear or Ale. Let ’em stand a month stopt up, stirring them now & then. At ye end of the moneth put in 1 oz. or 1½ oz. of copperas (Too much copperas makes ye ink apt to turn yellow.) Stir it & use it. Stop it up for some time with a paper prickt full of holes & let it stand in ye sunn. When you take out ink put in so much strong beer & it will endure many years.”
Newton confidently stated that this ink would “endure many years”, a prediction that has proven remarkably accurate. Researchers working with Newton’s manuscripts today can attest to the longevity of his ink, which still appears freshly penned centuries later.
Beer a Common Ingredient in 17th Century Ink
While the use of beer in ink may seem unusual to modern readers, it was not uncommon in the 17th century. Many authors of that era used beer as a solvent in their homemade writing inks. Newton’s recipes confirm that he followed this craft tradition, at least during his time at Cambridge.
The beer-based ink offered several advantages:
- Durability: As Newton noted, the ink could “endure many years”
- Consistency: Beer provided a stable base for the ink mixture
- Availability: Beer was readily accessible, making it a practical choice
The Historical Context
Newton’s “Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica”, published in 1687, laid the foundation for classical mechanics. This groundbreaking work contained his theory of calculus, the three laws of motion, and his detailed theory of gravity. The fact that these revolutionary ideas may have been recorded using beer-based ink adds an intriguing layer to the history of science.
Future Research and Implications
While the discovery of Newton’s beer-based ink recipe is fascinating, it also opens up new avenues for research. The authors of the study suggest that future chemical analysis might confirm what the ink recipes imply – that Newton’s great work, the Principia Mathematica, was indeed written in beer-based ink.
This research not only provides insight into Newton’s working methods but also offers a glimpse into the practical aspects of scientific work in the 17th century. It reminds us that even the most groundbreaking theories can have humble, everyday origins.
Newton’s Relationship with Alcohol
The study also sheds light on Newton’s personal relationship with alcohol. While he is known to have sparingly consumed ale with meals, his interest in alcoholic beverages extended beyond mere consumption. He once inquired about which varieties of apples make the best cider, suggesting a curiosity about the brewing process.
However, the researchers caution against speculation about Newton’s drinking habits. “Whether Newton imbibed beer from this surviving flagon while composing his innovative works of science will have to remain in the realm of the imagination,” they note in their paper.
The Beer Flagon
Professor Snobelen and biologist Carmichael Wallace have meticulously reconstructed the life cycle of Newton’s personal beer flagon. This artefact, a wooden vessel, was gifted by Newton to his long-time roommate and occasional assistant at Cambridge University, John Wickins.
The flagon was passed down through generations as a cherished heirloom. “The mug was venerated by the Wickins and Hussey-Freke families because it was owned by Newton,” explained Professor Snobelen. “It was a kind of holy relic.”
The Beer Flagon on Display
Newton’s beer flagon has been exhibited only three times previously, with the most recent display occurring 160 years ago. In an exciting development for science enthusiasts and historians alike, the flagon is set to go on display once more at the Royal Society.
This exhibition offers a rare opportunity for the public to see a personal item of one of history’s greatest scientists, providing a tangible connection to Newton’s life and work.
In conclusion, the discovery of Newton’s beer-based ink recipe offers a fascinating glimpse into the working methods of one of history’s most influential scientists. It serves as a reminder that even the most revolutionary ideas can have surprisingly ordinary origins, and that the history of science is often intertwined with the everyday practices of its time.