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Show CkuoMcU MoNdy, Febmiry 22 1988 Paqe Twtlvt Utah Museum of Fine Arts showcases Nswton's 'Principia of the Principia, along with 40 other rare By Kelly Hindley Chronicle staff writer scientific books from the Marriott Library, No one knows whether Sir Isaac Newton actually developed his theory of universal gravitation after watching an apple fall from a tree in his garden. That Newton forever changed the course of scientific study, however, remains an irrefutable given. "He essentially laid the foundation for all scientific work or thought ever since," said Gale Dick, a professor in the University of Utah physics department. To the world of science, Newton's work "is the most important work ever written," Dick said. Newton's masterwork, the Principia, was first published in 1687. A first edition copy 22 are currently on display at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. The exhibit is part of "Newton's Principia: Understanding the Gravity of the Situation," a program designed to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Principia s publication. The program also includes a public lecture series. Tonight at 7:30 p.m., John Heilbron of the University of California-Berkele- y will deliver the program's keynote lecture in the Marriott Library auditorium. Students who attend the four-pa- rt lecture series can earn one hour of university credit through the Division of Continuing Education. Mon 23 Tues 24 Wed The Principia is a huge, complex work in which Newton attempted to resolve problems that had puzzled scientists for centuries. In the Principia, Newton became the first scientist to successfully unite physics with nature, Dick said. Through a series of definitions, axioms, corollaries and propositions, Newton carefully reasoned his theories on the motion of fluids, sound, projectiles and even the solar system.. But the most famous part of the Principia is Newton's theory of universal gravitation. Although no one needed Newton's theory to know apples dropped downward from trees, Newton was the first scientist to recognize that the gravitational force extends to the moon and acts on all objects. 25 Thur 26 "Newton deduced the details," Dick said. "He was indeed the first to assert the universal role of gravity." Unlike many geniuses slighted or ignored during their own lifetimes, Newton's contributions to science were well-recogniz- ed while he was still alive. When Newton first published his Principia, "people realized almost immediately what he had done, and they were dumbfounded," Dick said. "Newton's Principia: Understanding the Gravity of the Situation" will be on display at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts through Feb. 28. ! ! Sat Fn I Forum 12:00 Noon Union Ballroom r noon Presidential ASUU FINAL Tickets on sale at union desk for JERRY SEINFELD ELECTIONS Friday's Film "Aguirre, the Wrath of God" U of U vs. BYU 4,7,9:30 OSH $1 ASUU Men's Basketball & $3 presents JERRY SEINFELD 11 J) J) J) -- ASUU PRES. VICE PRES. FORUM FEBRUARY Twenty-thir- d NOON UNION EAST BALLROOM Panel Consists of Jacque Morgan,' ASUU President Brooks Amiot. ASUU Vice-Pre1987-198- 8 Executive Cabinet s. |
