Permanence of Newton’s Reputation—Character of his Genius—His Method of Investigation similar to that used by Galileo—Error in ascribing his Discoveries to the Use of the Methods recommended by Lord Bacon—The Pretensions of the Baconian Philosophy examined— Sir Isaac Newton’s Social Character—His great Modesty—The Simplicity of his Character—His Religious and Moral Character— His Hospitality and Mode of Life—His Generosity and Charity—His Absence—His Personal Appearance—Statues and Pictures of him— Memorials and Recollections of him 292 APPENDIX, No. I.—Observations on the Family of Sir Isaac Newton 307 APPENDIX, No. II.—Letter from Sir Isaac Newton to Francis Aston, Esq., a young Friend who was on the eve of setting out on his Travels 316 APPENDIX, No. III.—“A Remarkable and Curious Conversation between Sir Isaac Newton and Mr. Conduit.” 320 LIFE OF SIR ISAAC NEWTON. CHAPTER I. _The Pre-eminence of Sir Isaac Newton’s Reputation—The Interest attached to the Study of his Life and Writings—His Birth and Parentage—His early Education—Is sent to Grantham School—His early Attachment to Mechanical Pursuits—His Windmill—His Waterclock—His Self-moving Cart—His Sundials—His Preparation for the University._ The name of Sir Isaac Newton has by general consent been placed at the head of those great men who have been the ornaments of their species. However imposing be the attributes with which time has invested the sages and the heroes of antiquity, the brightness of their fame has been eclipsed by the splendour of his reputation; and neither the partiality of rival nations, nor the vanity of a presumptuous age, has ventured to dispute the ascendency of his genius. The philosopher,[1] indeed, to whom posterity will probably assign the place next to Newton, has characterized the _Principia_ as pre-eminent above all the productions of human intellect, and has thus divested of extravagance the contemporary encomium upon its author, Nec fas est propius mortali attingere Divos. HALLEY. So near the gods—man cannot nearer go. The biography of an individual so highly renowned cannot fail to excite a general interest. Though his course may have lain in the vale of private life, and may have been unmarked with those dramatic events which throw a lustre even round perishable names, yet the inquiring spirit will explore the history of a mind so richly endowed,—will study its intellectual and moral phases, and will seek the shelter of its authority on those great questions which reason has abandoned to faith and hope.