This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/5/2018
Isaac Newton was a physicist and mathematician who developed the principles of modern physics, including the laws of motion, and is credited as one of the great minds of the 17th century Scientific Revolution. By the end of his life, he was one of the most famous men in England, his knowledge in matters scientific unchallenged. He certainly earned his place among the most profound geniuses in the history of mankind. Decades after his death, philosopher David Hume would write that Newton was "the greatest and rarest genius that ever rose for the adornment and instruction of the species." Taking it even further, the French thinker Laplace would remark that there was only one universe, so only one man could discover its fundamental law (that being gravity) and that man being Isaac Newton. Laplace was proven wrong, of course, when Albert Einstein would overturn the Newtonion understanding of the universe, showing that all that Newton had considered absolute were actually relative. Newton didn't consider himself all-knowing, though, and probably wouldn't have been surprised to find that his ideas were proven wrong. He, himself, was known to have said that he was aware that a "great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before [him]", regardless of what he appeared to the world. Offered here is an exceedingly rare and highly sought-after .5" x 2" signature cut from the great physicist, signed "Is. Newton" in black steel tip. The irregularly clipped signature is affixed to a slightly larger page, which is then professionally matted and framed with a portrait to an overall size of 12" x 16.5". In overall good condition with scattered toning. Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.