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Isaac Newton was a brilliant scientist. As a result, he published many of his discoveries and findings, and was greatly respected. It is at this point that the astonishment comes. Many of Isaac Newton’s journals were labeled “unfit for publication”. These journals were descriptions of his secret alchemical experiments.

Alchemy was a science that was looked down on in the 1600’s and 1700’s. Its roots took place in the attempt of making gold out of other, more common metals. But was Alchemy really that bad? The answer is no. Many discoveries and advances were rooted in Alchemy, for example, mineral-based drugs, “strong waters” for drink, and the creation of pigments and dyes. These men mixed chemicals haphazardly, and with no way of being able to hypothesize their results. While I’m sure that they were sometimes crazy old men, it seems evident that a minority were making important discoveries that would help society.

The fact of the matter is, just because Newton delved into some darker, frowned upon sciences, why should his record be blemished? The fact is, HE DEVELOPED PHYSICS. It should be irrelevant that Newton participated in alchemy on the side. Many people throughout history have been assets to society but have had deep, dark secrets. Take, for example, Benjamin Franklin. He was a fantastic inventor, politician, and writer. He also really liked women. He had many children secretly hidden, and countless affairs. He was still a great inventor, politician, and writer. Isaac Newton is the same way. Those journals should be read and studied. Its very possible that the founder of modern physics discovered something very useful. But at the end of the day, he is still the founder of modern physics.