In the initial battle, the two men won and lost each other, because the particle theory and wave theory of light could only be a hypothesis at that time. The difference is that Newton paid more attention to the verification of experiments, while other scientists were just immersed in speculation. By 1975, Newton had perfected his hypothesis of light particles, that is, two papers, "A hypothesis to explain the nature of light" and "Discussion on observation". The second article aroused Hooke's great indignation. He thinks Newton was inspired by his "micrograph", and what is even more unforgivable is that he thinks Newton is using his thoughts to explain and wave the incompatible particle theory! As far as Newton is concerned, he is very clear about Hooke's work. It is inevitable that some ideas come from "microfilm", but his personality determines that it is impossible to praise Hooke publicly, because in Newton's view, any hypothesis must be proved by experiments to become a theory, not by speculation. However, scientists in the17th century regarded "reasoning" as the origin of science, and Hooke was just like this. Zhongan Forum | Zhongan Bo
In order to express his anger, Hook wrote a letter to Newton. In Europe at that time, no matter how angry, gentlemen should show generosity and courtesy in private letters. Although we both hate each other, we still wrote some disgusting words, and our dissatisfaction can only be expressed between the lines. So there was a letter similar to Hooke's, "I am very grateful for your wonderful paper, and I am very glad to see that you have expanded my work because I have no time." I'm sure you can surpass what I've done, and I'm sure I can't find anyone comparable to you in any field. You have actually finished and corrected my rough work, which should be done by me ... "Hooke is polite here, but the meaning is clear: Newton started working under his inspiration." F 1F e3C G q0Q0K
Newton's answer is equally interesting. "In the field of philosophy, the last thing I want to see is an argument, let alone an armchair strategist ... Private letters between friends are not so much arguments as mutual guidance. I believe that we are an example. " Then there is a famous saying that has been circulating for hundreds of years: "What Descartes did was a good step. You have added many harsh ways,&; Especially when considering the color of thin plates in philosophy. If I see further, it is because I stand on the shoulders of giants. " Descartes took a good step forward, and you enriched it in many ways, especially by introducing the thinking about the color of thin plates into philosophy. If I can see farther, it is because I stand on the shoulders of a giant like you. )
Newton praised Hooke as a "giant" on the surface, but in fact he was satirizing Hooke. Hooke is not only a giant because of his achievements in optics, but also because everyone knows that Hooke is short and may have a hunchback. In Newton's words, he described it as "the most hopeless person in the world I have ever met". It turns out that this professor at Cambridge University, who hasn't published Principles, has just become a little famous and doesn't mean to be modest at all. He wouldn't have thought that this remark of poking fun at his old rival would be hung in the classroom as a motto by future pupils.