Eleven years later, in 1687, the pre-eminent physicist Sir Isaac Newton published Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica, in which he advanced the theory of gravitation. Also, he and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibnitz co-invented the branch of mathematics known as calculus, which would provide the solution to such problems as Zeno’s Paradox.

In 1725, the year of Dorcas’ death, Daniel Bernoulli became a professor of mathematics at the Russian Academy in St. Petersburg. He came up with Bernoulli’s Principle, which stated that the pressure exerted on a fluid is inversely proportion to its flow rate. He also taught philosophy, anatomy, and botany later in his life.

The late 17^th and early 18^th centuries was a time filled with many influential philosophers and scientists. Dorcas Morse was very lucky to be alive in such a time, but probably not the luckiest to be in such a place. Europe would probably have been much more exciting and stimulating for her young mind. Nevertheless, the practical applications of the numerous theories would have bestowed upon Dorcas and her family many new conveniences.

       

Copyright ©2001-2003, Allegra H., all rights reserved. Please contact me via e-mail if you wish to reproduce this material.