Newton was obsessed with the idea that matter could be transformed, which is basically what alchemy is about. He thought metals like lead could be changed into gold if you uncovered the hidden principles of nature. In a way, he was chasing the same dream that much later became real with nuclear reactions.
Newton was obsessed with the idea that matter could be transformed, which is basically what alchemy is about. He thought metals like lead could be changed into gold if you uncovered the hidden principles of nature. In a way, he was chasing the same dream that much later became real with nuclear reactions.