Newton was sitting under an apple tree, and the apple hit his head. Newton was inspired to discover the law of universal gravitation. This is a story that children of several years old know. Almost everyone describes Newton's discovery of the law of gravity in this way.

However, according to a report in Hong Kong Ta Kung Pao on the 2th, according to a manuscript recently published by the Royal Society, the bridge where Newton was hit by an apple seems to be a legend invented by later generations. Extended information

The rumored apple tree

Woolthorpe Manor, Newton's childhood home, was built in the 17th century near Grantham, Lincolnshire. In the future, with the establishment of wicker fences, tourists can no longer sit under trees as before. It is said that Newton was sitting under this apple tree in 1665 and discovered gravity.

Chris Goodweather, a graduate student in the department of tourists and history, said, "I'm a little disappointed that I can't sit under the apple tree like Newton. But you can still look at it, at this 4-year-old apple tree. For our next generation, we should protect it. "

This apple tree is a rare species called "Flower of Kent", and its green fruit can be used as "cooking apple". It stands in the front garden of the manor and can be seen through Newton's bedroom window.

Reference: People's Daily Online Newton and the Apple Tree

People's Daily Online "The manuscript of a close friend shows that Newton was hit on the head by an apple and was purely invented by later generations".