Newton and Prisms Sir Isaac Newton was an English mathematician and physicist born in 1643 and died in 1727. He is considered one of the greatest scientists in history, who made many important contributions to many fields of science. His discoveries and theories were the groundwork for much of the scientific achievements of today. Newton is known for many fields of science and math ranging from calculus to gravity, but for Mrs. Presley's pleasure and mine, I will discuss his work with optics. Before Newton could become the genius he became he had to start somewhere. He was born in Woolsthorpe, England on Januar