Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727) was an English mathematician, physicist, and astronomer. He is widely recognized as one of the most influential scientists of all time. Newton formulated the laws of motion and universal gravitation that dominated scientists' view of the physical universe for the next three centuries. He made significant contributions to mathematics, optics, and calculus, laying the foundation for modern physics. His book 'Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica' is considered one of the most important scientific works ever published.