Portrait of Isaac Newton
by Godfrey Kneller (1689)

Painting of Robert Hooke
by Rita Greer (2004)

Newton versus Hooke

Simulating the debate on bodies falling through a rotating Earth.


Synopsis of the Debate

The debate between Newton and Hooke about the fall of a body through a rotating Earth was carried out through a series of letters between the two men. On 24 November 1679 Hooke wrote to Newton, inviting Newton to take part in the scientific discussions of the Royal Society (of which Hooke had recently been appointed Secretary). The debate was carried out in subsequent letters, as summarized below (all dates "old style").

Credits


Todd K. Timberlake (ttimberlake@berry.edu)