Isaac Newton's occult studies
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[[Image:Isaacnewton.png|thumb|right|Colorized engraving after Enoch Seeman's 1726 portrait of Newton]]
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'''[[Isaac Newton]]''' (1643 – 1727), the noted British scientist and mathematician, wrote many works that would now be classified as [[occult]] studies.
These occult works explored [[chronology]], [[alchemy]], and [[Bible|Biblical]] interpretation (especially of the [[Apocalypse]]).
Newton's scientific work may have been of lesser personal importance to him, as he placed emphasis on rediscovering the occult wisdom of the ancients. In this sense, some have commented that the common reference a "Newtonian Worldview" as being purely mechanistic is somewhat inaccurate. After purchasing and studying Newton's alchemical works in 1942, economist [[John Maynard Keynes]], for example, opined that "Newton was not the first of the [[age of reason]], he was the last of the [[Magician (paranormal)|magicians]]."
However, it should be noted that in the pre-[[Modern Era]] of Newton's lifetime, the educated embraced a [[world view]] different from that of later centuries. Distinctions taken for granted today – such as between the [[natural]] and [[supernatural]], or between [[science]] and [[pseudoscience]] – were still being formulated, and a devoutly [[Christian]] Biblical perspective permeated [[Western culture]].
== Newton's alchemical research and writings ==
Much of what are known as Isaac Newton's [[occult|occult studies]] can largely be attributed to his study of [[alchemy]].
Newton was deeply interested in all forms of [[natural sciences]] and [[material theory]], an interest that ultimately would lead to some of his better-known contributions to science. During Newton's lifetime the study of [[chemistry]] was still in its infancy, thereby leading many of his experimental studies to consist of the use of esoteric language and vague terminology more accurately associated with [[alchemy]] and occultism. It would be several decades after Newton's death that experiments of [[stoichiometry]] under the pioneering works of [[Antoine Lavoisier]] were conducted and analytical chemistry, with its associated nomenclature, would come to resemble modern [[chemistry]] as we know it today.
Much of Newton's writing on alchemy may have been lost in a fire in his laboratory, so the true extent of his work in this area may have been larger than is currently known. Newton also suffered a [[nervous breakdown]] during his period of alchemical work, which is thought by some due to the psychological transformation that alchemy was originally designed to induce, though there is also speculation it may have been some form of chemical poisoning (possibly from [[Mercury (element)|mercury]], [[lead]], or some other substance).
[[Image:Isaac Newton Labratory Fire.jpg|thumb|left|An 1874 engraving showing a probable apocryphal account of Newton's lab fire. In the story, [[Diamond (dog)|Newton's dog]] started the fire, burning 20 years of research. Newton is thought to have said, <br>"O Diamond, Diamond, thou little knowest the mischief thou hast done."<ref name=Hall>Alfred Rupert Hall, ''Isaac Newton: Eighteenth Century Perspectives'', Oxford University Press, 1999, p. 175. ISBN 0198503644.</ref>]]
Newton's writings suggest that one of the main goals of his alchemy may have been the discovery of The [[Philosopher's Stone]] (a material believed to turn base metals into gold), and perhaps to a lesser extent, the discovery of the highly coveted [[Elixir of Life]].<ref name=Nova>{{cite video | people = Nova: Newton's Dark Secrets | title = [http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/newton/] | publisher = PBS | location = USA | date = 2005 }}</ref>
Some practices of alchemy were banned in [[England]] during Newton's lifetime, due in part to unscrupulous practitioners who would often promise wealthy benefactors unrealistic results in an attempt to swindle money. [[English crown|The English Crown]], also fearing the potential devaluation of gold, should The [[Philosopher's Stone]] actually be discovered, made penalties for alchemy very severe. In some cases the punishment for unsanctioned alchemy would include the public hanging of an offender on a gilded scaffold while adorned with tinsel and other items.<ref name=Nova/> It was for this reason, and the potential scrutiny that he feared from his peers within the scientific community, that Newton may have deliberately left his work on alchemical subjects unpublished. Newton was well known as being highly sensitive to criticism, such as the numerous instances when he was criticized by [[Robert Hooke]], and his admitted reluctance to publish any substantial information regarding [[Calculus]] before 1693. A perfectionist by nature, Newton also refrained from publication of material that he felt was incomplete, as evident from a thirty-eight year gap in time from Newton's alleged conception of [[Calculus]] in 1666 and its final full publication in 1704, which would ultimately lead to the infamous [[Newton v. Leibniz calculus controversy|Newton vs. Leibniz Calculus Controversy]].
In 1936, a collection of Isaac Newton's unpublished works were auctioned by [[Sotheby's]] on behalf of [[Gerard Wallop, 9th Earl of Portsmouth]], who had inherited them from Newton' great-niece. Known as the "Portsmouth Papers", this material consisted of three hundred twenty-nine lots of Newton's manuscripts, over a third of which were filled with content that appeared to be alchemical in nature. At the time of Newton's death this material was considered "unfit to publish" by Newton's estate, and consequently fell into obscurity until their somewhat sensational reemergence in 1936.<ref>{{cite web
| last = Newman
| first = William R.
| title = Newton and Alchemy
| publisher = The Chymistry of Isaac Newton Project
| date = [[2007-04-05]]
| url = http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/newton/about.do
| accessdate = 2007-08-12 }}</ref>
At the auction many of these documents were purchased by economist [[John Maynard Keynes]], who throughout his life, collected many of Newton's alchemical writings. Much of the Keynes collection later passed to eccentric document collector [[Abraham Yahuda]], who was himself a vigorous collector of Isaac Newton's original manuscripts.
Many of the documents collected by Keynes and Yahuda are now in the [[Jewish National and University Library]] in Jerusalem. In recent years, several projects have begun to gather, catalogue, and transcribe the fragmented collection of Newton's work on alchemical subjects and make them freely available for online access. Two of these are [http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/newton/index.jsp The Chymistry of Isaac Newton Project] supported by the U.S. [[National Science Foundation]], and [http://www.newtonproject.sussex.ac.uk/prism.php?id=1 The Newton Project] supported by the U.K. [[Arts and Humanities Research Board]]. In addition, The Jewish National and University Library has published a number of high-quality scanned images of various Newton documents<ref> [http://www.jnul.huji.ac.il/dl/mss/newton/gallery_eng.html gallery]</ref>.
=== The Philosopher's Stone ===
Of the material sold during the 1936 Sotheby's auction, several documents indicate an interest by Newton in the procurement or development of The [[Philosopher's Stone]]. Most notably are documents entitled, ''"Artephius his secret Book"'', followed by ''"The Epistle of Iohn Pontanus, wherein he beareth witness of ye book of Artephius"'', these are themselves a collection of excerpts from another work entitled, ''"Nicholas Flammel, His Exposition of the Hieroglyphicall Figures which he caused to be painted upon an Arch in St Innocents Church-yard in Paris. Together with The secret Booke of Artephius, And the Epistle of Iohn Pontanus: Containing both the Theoricke and the Practicke of the Philosophers Stone"''. This work may also have been referenced by Newton in its Latin version found within [[Lazarus Zetzner|Lazarus Zetzner's]], ''"[[Theatrum Chemicum]]"'', a volume often associated with the [[Turba Philosophorum]] and other early European alchemical manuscripts. [[Nicolas Flamel]], (one subject of the aforementioned work) was a notable, though mysterious figure, often associated with the discovery of The Philosopher's Stone, Hieroglyphical Figures, early forms of [[tarot]], and occultism. [[Artephius]], and his "secret book", were also subjects of interest to 17th Century alchemists.
Also in the 1936 auction of Newton's collection was, ''"The Epitome of the treasure of health written by Edwardus Generosus Anglicus innominatus who lived Anno Domini 1562"''. This is a twenty-eight page treatise on the [[Philosopher's Stone]], the Animal or [[Angelicall Stone]], the Prospective stone or magical stone of Moses, and the vegetable or the growing stone. The treatise concludes with an alchemical poem.
==Biblical studies==
In a manuscript he wrote in 1704 in which he describes his attempts to extract scientific information from the Bible, Newton estimated that the world would end no earlier than [[2060]]. In predicting this he said, "This I mention not to assert when the time of the end shall be, but to put a stop to the rash conjectures of fanciful men who are frequently predicting the time of the end, and by doing so bring the sacred prophesies into discredit as often as their predictions fail."<ref>{{cite web | title = Papers Show Isaac Newton's Religious Side, Predict Date of Apocalypse | publisher = The Associated Press | date=19 June 2007 | url = http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070619/28049_Papers_Show_Isaac_Newton%27s_Religious_Side%2C_Predict_Date_of_Apocalypse.htm| accessdate=2007-08-01}}</ref>
=== Newton's studies of the Temple of Solomon ===
Newton studied and wrote extensively upon the [[Temple of Solomon]], dedicating an entire chapter of "[[The Chronology of Ancient Kingdoms]]" to his observations regarding the temple. Newton's primary source for information was the description of the structure given within [[1 Kings]] of the Hebrew [[Bible]], which he translated himself from the original [[hebrew language|Hebrew]].<ref name=TempleInstitute>{{cite web | last =Richman | first =Rabbi Chaim | coauthors =Temple Institute | title =Temple Institute: Issac Newton and the Holy Temple | publisher =Temple Institute | date =1991-2008 | url =http://www.templeinstitute.org/isaac_newton_holy_temple.htm | format =HTML | accessdate =07/01/2008 }}</ref>
[[Image:Isaac Newton's Temple of Solomon.jpg|thumb|right|Isaac Newton's diagram of part of the [[Temple of Solomon]], taken from Plate 1 of [[The Chronology of Ancient Kingdoms]]. Published London, 1728.]]
In addition to scripture, Newton also relied upon various ancient and contemporary sources while studying the temple. He believed that many ancient sources were endowed with sacred wisdom<ref name=Nova/> and that the [[proportions]] of many of their [[temple|temples]] were in themselves sacred. This belief would lead Newton to examine many architectural works of Hellenistic [[ancient Greece|Greece]], as well as [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] sources such as [[Vitruvius]], in a search for their occult knowledge. This concept, often termed "''[[prisca sapientia]]''" (sacred wisdom), was a common belief of many scholars during Newton's lifetime.<ref name=Christianson>{{Citation | last =Christianson | first =Gale E. | publication-date =2005 | title =Isaac Newton | publisher =Oxford University Press US | pages =144 | isbn =019530070X | url =http://books.google.com/books?id=lwcDZ0Ex4lYC | accessdate =07-04-2008 }}</ref>
A more contemporary source for Newton's studies of the temple was [[Juan Bautista Villalpando]], who just a few decades earlier had published an influential manuscript entitled, "''Ezechielem Explanationes''", in which Villalpando comments on the visions of the biblical prophet [[Ezekiel]], including within this work his own interpretations and elaborate reconstructions of Solomon's Temple. In it's time, Villalpando's work on the temple produced a great deal of interest throughout Europe and had a significant impact upon later architects and scholars.<ref>Goldish. Page 91.</ref><ref name=MacDonnell>{{cite web | last =MacDonnell | first =Joseph | title =Juan Bautista Villalpando, S.J. | publisher =Fairfield University | url =http://www.faculty.fairfield.edu/jmac/sj/scientists/villalpando.htm | format =HTML | accessdate =07/01/2008 }}</ref>
As a Bible scholar, Newton was initially interested in the [[sacred geometry]] of Solomon's Temple, such as [[Golden ratio|golden sections]], [[conic section]]s, [[spirals]], [[orthographic projection]], and other harmonious constructions, but he also believed that the dimensions and proportions represented more. He noted that the temple's measurements given in the Bible are mathematical problems, related to solutions for <math>\pi</math> and [[Hemisphere|the volume of a hemisphere]], <math>V = (2/3)\pi r^3</math>, and in a larger sense that they were references to the size of the [[earth]] and man's place and proportion to it.{{fix|link=Wikipedia:Citation_needed|text=cite needed}}
Newton believed that the temple was designed by [[King Solomon]] with privileged eyes and divine guidance. To Newton, the geometry of the temple represented more than a mathematical blueprint, it also provided a time-frame chronology of Hebrew history.<ref name=TheShadowofSolomon>{{Citation | last =Gardner | first =Laurence | publication-date =2007 | date = | year = | title =The Shadow of Solomon: The Lost Secret of the Freemasons Revealed | publication-place =Originally published: London : HarperElement, 2005 | place =USA | publisher =Weiser | pages =408 | page =146 | isbn =1578634040 | url =http://books.google.com/books?id=JTPcRXdUahQC&printsec=frontcover&dq=The+Shadow+of+Solomon&sig=ACfU3U2BKhEwRSjYHjGolo2_x05P09Gj_A | accessdate =07/04/2008 }}</ref> It was for this reason that he included a chapter devoted to the temple within "The Chronology of Ancient Kingdoms", a section which initially may seem unrelated to the historical nature of the book as a whole.
Newton felt that just as the writings of ancient philosophers, scholars, and Biblical figures contained within them unknown sacred wisdom, the same was true of their architecture. He believed that these men had hidden their knowledge in a complex code of symbolic and mathematical language that, when deciphered, would reveal an unknown knowledge of how nature works.<ref name=Christianson/>
In 1675 Newton annotated a copy of "''Manna - a disquisition of the nature of alchemy''", an anonymous treatise which had been given to him by his fellow scholar [[Ezekiel Foxcroft]]. In his annotation Newton reflected upon his reasons for examining Solomon's Temple by writing:
{{Cquote| This philosophy, both speculative and active, is not only to be found in the volume of nature, but also in the sacred scriptures, as in [[Genesis]], [[Book of Job|Job]], Psalms, Isaiah and others. In the knowledge of this philosophy, God made Solomon the greatest philosopher in the world.<ref name=TheShadowofSolomon/>}}
During Newton's lifetime interest in the Temple of Solomon was enthusiastic in Europe, largely due to the success of Villalpando's publications, but also added to by a vogue of detailed [[engraving|engravings]] and [[Model (physical)|physical models]] presented in various galleries for public viewing. In 1628, [[Judah Leon Templo]] produced a model of the temple and surrounding Jerusalem, which was somewhat popular in its day. Later, around 1692, Gerhard Schott produced a highly detailed model of the temple for use in an opera in Hamburg composed by Christian Heinrich Postel. This immense thirteen foot high and eighty foot around model was later sold in 1725 and featured on display in London as early as 1723, and then later temporarily installed at the London [[Royal Exchange]] from 1729-1730, where is could be viewed for [[Half a crown|half-a-crown]]. Sir Isaac Newton's most comprehensive work on the temple, found within "The Chronology of Ancient Kingdoms", was published posthumously in 1728, only adding to the public interest in the temple.<ref name=?????>{{cite web | last =Crawley | first =W. J. Chetwode | title =Rabbi Jacob Jehudah Leon. The Models of the Temple and the English Craft | publisher = Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon A.F. & A.M. | url =http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/aqc/leon.html | format = HTML | accessdate =07/04/2008 }}</ref>
=== Newton's prophecy ===
Newton considered himself to be one of a select group of individuals who were specially chosen by God for the task of understanding Biblical scripture.<ref>{{cite web
| last =
| first =
| title = Newton's Views on Prophecy
| publisher = The Newton Project
| date = [[2007-04-05]]
| url = http://www.newtonproject.sussex.ac.uk/prism.php?id=74
| accessdate = 2007-08-15 }}</ref> He was a strong believer in prophetic interpretation of the [[Bible]], and like many of his contemporaries in Protestant England, he developed a strong affinity and deep admiration for the teachings and works of [[Joseph Mede]]. Though he never wrote a cohesive body of work on Prophecy, Newton's belief would led him to write several treatise on the subject, including an unpublished guide for prophetic interpretation entitled, ''"Rules for interpreting the words & language in Scripture"''. In this manuscript he details the necessary requirements for what he considered to be the proper interpretation of the Bible.
In addition, Newton would spend much of his life seeking and revealing what could be considered a [[Bible Code]]. He placed a great deal of emphasis upon the interpretation of the [[Book of Revelation]], writing generously upon this book and authoring several manuscripts detailing his interpretations. Unlike a [[prophet]] in the true sense of the word, Newton relied upon existing Scripture to prophesy for him, believing his interpretations would set the record straight in the face of what he considered to be "so little understood".<ref>{{cite web
| last = Newton
| first = Isaac
| title = The First Book Concerning the Language of the Prophets
| publisher = The Newton Project
| date = [[2007-04-05]]
| url = http://www.newtonproject.sussex.ac.uk/texts/viewtext.php?id=THEM00005&mode=normalized
| accessdate = 2007-08-15 }}</ref> In 1754, twenty-seven years after his death, Isaac Newton's treatise, "[[An Historical Account of Two Notable Corruptions of Scripture]]" would be published, and though it does not argue any prophetic meaning, it does exemplify what Newton considered to be just one popular misunderstanding of Scripture.
Although Newton's approach to these studies could not be considered a 'scientific' approach, he did write as if his findings were the result of evidentially-based research.
=== A.D. 2060 ===
In late February and early March of 2003, a large amount of media attention circulated around the globe regarding largely unknown and unpublished documents, evidently written by Isaac Newton, indicating that he believed the world would end no earlier than 2060 AD. The story garnered vast amounts of public interest and found its way onto the front page of several widely distributed newspapers including, Britain's [[Daily Telegraph]], Canada's [[National Post]], Israel's [[Maariv]] and [[Yediot Aharonot]], and was also be featured in an article in the scientific
journal, [[Nature magazine|Nature]].<ref name=Snobelen>{{cite web
| last = Snobelen
| first = Stephen D
| title = A time and times and the dividing of time: Isaac Newton, the Apocalypse and 2060 A.D.
| url = http://www.isaac-newton.org/newton_2060.htm
| accessdate = 2007-08-15 }}</ref> Television and Internet stories in the following weeks heightened the exposure and ultimately would include the production of several documentary films focused upon the topic of the 2060 prediction and some of Newton's less well known beliefs and practices. The juxtaposition of Newton, popularly seen by some as the embodiment of scientific rationality with a seemingly irrational prediction of the "end of the world", would invariably lend itself to cultural sensationalism.
The two documents detailing this prediction are currently housed within the Jewish National and University Library in Jerusalem.<ref name=Snobelen/> Both were believed to be written toward the end of Newton's life, in or after 1705, a time frame most notably established by the use of the full title of ''Sir'' Isaac Newton within portions of the documents.
These documents do not appear to have been written with the intention of publication and Isaac Newton expressed a strong personal dislike for individuals who provided specific dates for the [[Apocalypse]] purely for sensational value. Furthermore, Newton at no time provides a specific date for the end of the world in either of these documents.<ref name=Snobelen/>
To understand the reasoning behind the 2060 prediction, an understanding of Newton's theological beliefs should be taken into account, particularly his [[antitrinitarian]] beliefs and those negative views he held about the [[Papacy]]. Both of these lay essential to his calculations, which ultimately would provide the 2060 AD time frame. See [[Isaac Newton's religious views]] for more details.
The first document, part of the Yahuda collection <ref>Yahuda MS 7.3o, f. 8r</ref>, is a small letter slip, on the back of which is written haphazardly in Newton's hand:
{{Cquote|
Prop. 1. The 2300 prophetick days did not commence before the rise of the little horn of the He Goat.
2 Those day [sic] did not commence a[f]ter the destruction of Jerusalem & ye Temple by the Romans A.[D.] 70.
3 The time times & half a time did not commence before the year [[800]] in wch the Popes supremacy commenced
4 They did not commence after the re[ig]ne of [[Pope Gregory VII|Gregory the 7th]]. 1084
5 The 1290 days did not commence b[e]fore the year [[842]].
6 They did not commence after the reigne of Pope Greg. 7th. 1084
7 The diffence [sic] between the 1290 & 1335 days are a parts of the seven weeks.
Therefore the 2300 years do not end before ye year 2132 nor after 2370.
The time times & half time do n[o]t end before 2060 nor after [2344]
The 1290 days do not begin [this should read: end] before 2090 nor after 1374 [sic; Newton probably
means 2374]<ref name=Snobelen/>
}}
The second reference to the 2060 prediction can be found in a folio<ref>Yahuda MS 7.3g, f.
13v</ref>, in which Newton writes:
{{Cquote|So then the time times & half a time are 42 months or 1260 days or three years & an half, recconing twelve months to a yeare & 30 days to a month as was done in the Calendar of the primitive year. And the days of short lived Beasts being put for the years of lived [sic for “long lived”] kingdoms, the period of 1260 days, if dated from the complete conquest of the three kings A.C. 800, will end A.C. 2060. It may end later, but I see no reason for its ending sooner. This I mention not to assert when the time of the end shall be, but to put a stop to the rash conjectures of fancifull men who are frequently predicting the time of the end, & by doing so bring the sacred prophesies into discredit as often as their predictions fail. Christ comes as a thief in the night, & it is not for us to know the times & seasons wch God hath put into his own breast.<ref name=Snobelen/>}}
Clearly Newton's mathematical prediction of the end of the world is one derived from his interpretation of not only scripture, but also one based upon his theological viewpoint regarding specific chronological dates and events as he saw them.
Newton may not have been referring to the post 2060 event as a destructive act resulting in the annihilation of the globe and its inhabitants, but rather one in which he believed the world, as he saw it, was to be replaced with a new one based upon a transition to an era of divinely inspired peace. In Christian and [[Islamic theology]] this concept is often referred to as The [[Second Coming]] of [[Jesus Christ]] and the establishment of The [[Kingdom of God]] on Earth. In a separate manuscript<ref>Yahuda MS 7.2a, f. 31r</ref>, Isaac Newton paraphrases Revelation 21 and 22 and relates the post 2060 events by writing:
{{Cquote|A new heaven & new earth. New Jerusalem comes down from heaven prepared as a Bride adorned for her husband. The marriage supper. God dwells wth men wipes away all tears from their eyes, gives them of ye fountain of living water & creates all thin things new saying, It is done. The glory & felicity of the New Jerusalem is represented by a building of Gold & Gemms enlightened by the glory of God & ye [[Lamb of God|Lamb]] & watered by ye river of Paradise on ye banks of wch grows the [[tree of life#Hebrew bible/Christianity|tree of life]]. Into this city the kings of the earth do bring their glory & that of the nations & the saints raign for ever & ever.<ref name=Snobelen/>
}}
==Newton's chronology==
Isaac Newton wrote extensively upon the historical topic of [[Chronology]]. In 1728 "[[The Chronology of Ancient Kingdoms]]", an approximately 87,000 word composition that details the rise and history of various ancient kingdoms was published. The publication date of this work occurred after his death, though the majority of it had been reviewed for publication by Newton himself shortly before he died. As such, this work represents one of his last known personally reviewed publications. Sometime around 1701 he also produced a thirty page unpublished treatise entitled, "The Original of Monarchies" detailing the rise of several monarchs throughout antiquity and tracing them back to the biblical figure of [[Noah]].<ref>{{cite web
| last = Newton
| first = Isaac
| title = The Original of Monarchies
| url = http://www.newtonproject.sussex.ac.uk/texts/viewtext.php?id=THEM00040&mode=normalized
| accessdate = 2007-08-19 }}</ref>
Newton's chronological writing is [[Eurocentric]], with the earliest records focusing upon [[Greece]], [[Anatolia]], [[Egypt]], and the [[Levant]]. Many of Newton's dates do not correlate with current historical knowledge. While Newton mentions several pre-historical events found within The Bible, the oldest actual historical date he provides is 1125BC. In this entry he mentions [[Mephres]], a ruler over [[Upper Egypt]] from the territories of Syene to [[Heliopolis]], and his successor [[Misphragmuthosis]]. However, during 1125BC the Pharaoh of Egypt is now understood to be [[Ramesses IX]].
Though some of the dates Newton provides for various events are inaccurate by modern standards, [[Archeology]] as a form of modern science did not exist in Newton's time. In fact, the majority of the conclusionary dates which Newton cites are based on the works of [[Herodotus]], [[Pliny]], [[Plutarch]], [[Homer]], and various other classical historians, authors, and poets; themselves often citing secondary sources and oral records of uncertain date. Newton's approach to chronology was focused upon gathering historical information from various sources found throughout antiquity and cataloging them according to their appropriate date by his contemporary understanding, standards, and available source material.
=== Newton's Atlantis ===
Found within "The Chronology of Ancient Kingdoms", are several passages that directly mention the mythical land of [[Atlantis]]. The first such passage is part of his ''Short Chronical'' which indicates his belief that Homer's [[Ulysses]] left the island of [[Ogygia]] in 896BC. In Greek Mythology, Ogygia was home to [[Calypso (mythology)|Calypso]], the daughter of [[Atlas (mythology)|Atlas]] (after whom Atlantis was named). Some scholars have suggested that Ogygia and Atlantis are locationally connected, or possibly the same island. From his writings it appears Newton may have shared this belief. Newton also lists Cadis or Cales as possible candidates for Ogygia, though does not cite his reasons for believing so. Within the same material Newton mentions that according to ancient sources, Atlantis had been as big as all Europe, Africa and Asia, but was sunk into the Sea.
== Newton & Secret Societies ==
Isaac Newton has often been associated with various [[secret societies]] and [[fraternal orders]] throughout history. Due to the secretive nature of such organizations, lack of supportive publicized material, and dubious motives for claiming Newton's participation in these groups, it is difficult to establish his actual membership in any specific organization.<ref name=NEWTONSFREEMASONRY>{{Citation | last =Bauer | first =Alain | publication-date =2007 | title = Isaac Newton's Freemasonary: The Alchemy of Science and Mysticism | publication-place = Originally published as: Aux origines de la franc-maçonnerie: Newton et les Newtoniens by Editions Dervy (2003)| publisher =Inner Traditions | pages =Book Excerpt - from Chapter 3 | isbn =1-59477-172-3 | doi = | oclc = | url =http://www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/book_bauer.html | accessdate =06/25/08 }}</ref>
Regardless of his own membership status, Newton was a known associate of many individuals who themselves have often been labeled as members of various esoteric groups. It is unclear if these associations were a result of being a well established and prominently publicized scholar, an early member and sitting [[President of the Royal Society|President]] of [[The Royal Society]] (1703-1727), a prominent figure of State and [[Master of the Mint]], a recognized [[Knight]], or if Newton actually sought active membership within these esoteric organizations himself. Considering the nature and legality of alchemical practices during his lifetime, as well as his possession of various materials and manuscripts pertaining to alchemical research, Newton may very well have been a member of a group of like minded thinkers and colleagues. The organized level of this group (if in fact any existed), the level of their secrecy, as well as the depth of Newton's involvement within them, remains unclear.
Though Newton was largely considered a reclusive personality and not prone to socializing, during his lifetime being a member of "Societies" or "Clubs" was a very popular form of interpersonal networking. Considering his esteemed social status, it is probable that Newton would have had a least some contact with such groups at various levels. He was most certainly a member of [[The Royal Society|The Royal Society of London for the Improvement of Natural Knowledge]] and the [[Spalding Gentlemen’s Society]] <ref name=SPALDING>{{cite web | title =Spalding Gentlemen’s Society | url =http://www.spalding-gentlemens-society.org | format =HTML | accessdate =06-25-08 }}</ref>, however, these are considered [[learned societies]], not [[secret societies|esoteric societies]]. Newton's membership status within any particular secret society remains verifiably allusive and largely speculative, however, it still lends itself to popular sensationalism.
=== Newton & The Rosicrucians ===
Perhaps the secret society which most influenced Isaac Newton were the [[Rosicrucians]].<ref name=LASTSORCERER>{{Citation | last =White | first =Michael| publication-date = | year =1999 | title =Isaac Newton: The Last Sorcerer | publisher =Da Capo Press | pages =416 | page =117 | isbn =073820143X | url =http://books.google.com/books?id=l2C3NV38tM0C | accessdate =6-25-08 }}</ref> Though the Rosicrucian movement had caused a great deal of excitement within Europe's scholarly community during the early seventeenth century, by the time Newton had reached maturity the movement had become less sensationalized. However, the Rosicrucian movement still would have a profound influence upon Newton, particularly in regard to his alchemical work and philosophical thought.
The Rosicrucian belief in being specially chosen for the ability to communicate with angels or spirits is echoed in Newton's prophetic beliefs. Additionally, the Rosicrucians proclaimed to have the ability to live forever through the use of the ''[[Elixir of Life|elixer vitae]]'' and the ability to produce limitless amounts of gold from the use of [[The Philosopher's Stone]], which they claimed to have in their possession. Like Newton, the Rosicrusians were deeply religious, avowedly Christian, anti-Catholic, and highly politicised. Isaac Newton would have a deep interest in not just their alchemical pursuits, but also their belief in esoteric truths of the ancient past and the belief in enlightened individuals with the ability to gain insight into nature, the physical universe, and the spiritual realm.<ref name=LASTSORCERER/>
At the time of his death, Isaac Newton had 169 books on the topic of alchemy in his personal library, and was believed to have considerably more books on this topic during his Cambridge years, though he may have sold them before moving to London in 1696. For its time, his was considered one of the finest alchemical libraries in the world. In his library, Newton left behind a heavily annotated personal copy of "''The Fame and Confession of the Fraternity R.C.''", by [[Thomas Vaughan (philosopher)|Thomas Vaughan]] which represents an English translation of [[Rosicrucian Manifestos|The Rosicrucian Manifestos]]. Newton also possessed copies of "''[[Themis Aurea]]''" and "''[[Symbola Aurea Mensae Duodecium]]''" by the learned alchemist [[Michael Maier]], both of which are significant early books about the Rosicrucian movement. These books were also extensively annotated by Newton.<ref name=LASTSORCERER/>
Newton's ownership of these materials by no means denotes membership within any early Rosicrucian order. Furthermore, considering that his personal alchemical investigations were focused upon discovering materials which the Rosicrucians professed to already be in possession of long before he was born, would seem to exclude Newton from their membership. During his own life, Newton was openly accused of being a Rosicrucian, as were many members of The Royal Society.<ref>{{cite book |last=Yates |first=Frances A. |year=1972 |title=The Rosicrucian Enlightenment |publisher=Routledge |location=London}}</ref> Though it is not known for sure if Isaac Newton was in fact a Rosicrucian, and he never publicly identified himself as one, from his writings it does appear that he may have shared many of their sentiments and beliefs.
=== Newton & Freemasonry ===
There is no verifiable record of Newton being a [[Freemason]].<ref name=HOLYBLOOD>{{Citation | last =Baigent | first =Michael | last2 =Leigh | first2 =Richard | last2 =Lincoln | first2 =Henry |publication-date = | date = | year = | title =Holy Blood, Holy Grail| publication-place = | publisher =Delta Trade Paperbacks | pages =496 | isbn =0385338457 | accessdate =6/26/08 }}</ref> Despite this lack of evidence, Isaac Newton is still frequently identified as being a member of several early Masonic Lodges including the [[Grand Lodge of England]]. There is currently a Freemason Lodge operating at [[Cambridge University]] named The Isaac Newton University Lodge, however this does not emphatically mean that Isaac Newton was a founder or even a member, as there are many social and scholastic clubs which bear his name.<ref name=INUL>{{cite web | last =INUL | title =Isaac Newton University Lodge No. 859 |url =http://www.inul.org/ | format =HTML | accessdate =06/26/08 }}</ref>
Considering the secretive nature of early Freemasonry and the belief that the modern structure of the organization was partly established during Newton's lifetime in and around [[London]], there is continued speculation as to the role that Newton may have had in the formation of Masonic Orders in their modern context. Newton's membership of The Royal Society and the fact that many Royal Society members have been identified as early Freemasons has lead many to believe Newton was a Mason himself. It is clear that Newton was deeply interested in architecture, sacred geometry, and the structure of the [[Temple of Solomon]], a subject that plays an important role in early Masonic mythology. However, ultimately there is no evidence to directly connect Newton to Freemasonry.<ref name=HOLYBLOOD/>
=== Newton & The Priory of Sion ===
It has been claimed that Newton was a Grand Master of the mythical and exhaustively debunked [[Priory of Sion]]. Since the Priory itself is considered to be a [[ludibrium]], Newton's membership would naturally also be considered false. The "[[Dossiers Secrets d'Henri Lobineau]]", a forgery and founding document of the Priory, lists Newton as a member as does [[Dan Brown|Dan Brown's]] bestselling fictional book, "[[The Da Vinci Code]]". Isaac Newton's membership plays an important role in Brown's book as a plot puzzle mentioned as "the tomb of a knight a pope interred", referring not to a medieval knight, but rather to Newton's tomb in Westminster Abbey, and the fact that he was eulogized by [[Alexander Pope]] (A. Pope).
==References==
<references />
*White, Michael. Isaac Newton: The Last Sorcerer, 1997.
*"The Foundations of Newton's Alchemy" by Sir William Sherrell of the Royal Society{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
==External links==
*[http://www.newtonproject.imperial.ac.uk/prism.php?id=46 "Introducing Newton's Alchemical Papers"] (from the [http://www.newtonproject.imperial.ac.uk Newton Project])
*[http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/newton/index.jsp "The Chemistry of Issac Newton"] including teaching resources (part of the [http://www.newtonproject.imperial.ac.uk Newton Project])
*[http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/newton/ Newton's Dark Secrets] PBS Nova episode.
*[http://www.phys.uu.nl/~vgent/astrology/newton.htm Isaac Newton and Astrology]
*[http://mathforum.org/library/drmath/view/55191.html the volume of a hemisphere]
*[http://www.jnul.huji.ac.il/dl/mss/newton/ Exhibit at the Jewish National Library and University]
*[http://www.faculty.fairfield.edu/jmac/sj/scientists/villalpando.htm Isaac Newton used the works of Villalpando in his architectural studies.]
*[http://www.math.niu.edu/~rusin/known-math/index/40-XX.html harmonious and beautiful constructions]
*[http://www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/pillar_solomon_temple.html the skills in math and science]
*[http://www.themathpage.com/aReal/unit-fraction.htm unit fractions.]
*[http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Extras/Graf_theory.html the math]<blockquote>
*[http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/newton/mss/intro/ALCH00110 Newtons Alchemy]
*[http://www.gutenberg.org/files/15784/15784-h/15784-h.htm#chron| The Chronology of Ancient Kingdoms] at [[Project Gutenberg]]
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[[Category:Alchemical documents]]
[[Category:Isaac Newton|Occult]]
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[[Category:Hermeticism]]