Academy of Saint Gabriel Report 470

Academy of Saint Gabriel Report 470

This report is available at http://www.s-gabriel.org/470

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Greetings from the Academy of Saint Gabriel!

You asked about the arms of Isaac Newton; they are "Sable, two shinbones in saltire argent."

You also mentioned a family tradition of descent from Isaac Newton. Such things are by their nature difficult to prove or disprove, but we thought we should mention that it is generally believed that Newton was celibate. The Encyclopaedia Britannica says that apart from the period when he was the guardian of his niece, Newton had no relationship of any sort with any women other than his mother. Evidence to the contrary would certainly be of some historical interest.

Craig Levin also contributed to this letter.

We hope that this has been helpful. If we can be of further assistance, please let us know.

For the Academy,

Brian M. Scott