During Newton's lifetime, the study of chemistry was still in its infancy, so many of his experimental studies used esoteric language and vague terminology more typically associated with alchemy and occultism. His earliest encounters with certain alchemical theories and practices were during his childhood, when a twelve year old Isaac Newton was boarding in the attic of an apothecaries shop. From a young age, Newton was deeply interested in all forms of natural sciences and materials science, an interest which would ultimately lead to some of his better-known contributions to science. Much of what are known as Isaac Newton's occult studies can largely be attributed to his study of alchemy. 3.2 Newton's interpretations of prophecy.3.1 Newton's studies of the Temple of Solomon.Distinctions between science, superstition, and pseudoscience were still being formulated, and a devoutly Christian biblical perspective permeated Western culture. Īfter purchasing and studying Newton's alchemical works, Keynes, for example, opined in 1942 at the tercentenary of Newton's birth that "Newton was not the first of the age of reason, he was the last of the magicians." In the Early Modern Period of Newton's lifetime, the educated embraced a world view different from that of later centuries. Historical research on Newton's occult studies in relation to his science have also been used to challenge the disenchantment narrative within critical theory. In this sense, some historians, including economist John Maynard Keynes, believe that any reference to a "Newtonian Worldview" as being purely mechanical in nature is somewhat inaccurate. Newton's scientific work may have been of lesser personal importance to him, as he placed emphasis on rediscovering the wisdom of the ancients. Also, Newton described himself as a "natural philosopher", and his work is grounded in Aristotelian metaphysics. English physicist and mathematician Isaac Newton produced works exploring chronology, and biblical interpretation (especially of the Apocalypse), and alchemy.
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