[PatrickHenry]

Hot debate topic.

[PatrickHenry]

SciencePing

An elite subset of the Evolution list. See the list's explanation at my freeper homepage. Then FReepmail to be added or dropped.

[demlosers]

Newton is epitome of genius.

[SpaceBar]

Newton described macroscopic slow moving limiting behavior. Einstein described the framework of that behavior and its limits.

[WillamShakespeare]

I must say, Newton is hotter.

[martin_fierro]

Newton more important than Einstein: poll

I agree.

[M203M4]

Newton > Einstein.

Calculus. 'Nuff said (yayaya, there were other players in the development of the calculus).

[jveritas]

The Newtonian laws of Physics have vastly more profound impact on science and engineering and vastly more applications than Einstein theories.

Newton is the greatest scientist of all times period. Einstein should not be even in the top 5.

[Clock King]

I do think it's apples and oranges, but the impact of Newton was astounding. The development of calculus alone has changed so much of science. Of course, this sort of question makes one think of other greats such as Galileo Galilei, who had to face a world of mindless religious fanaticism which would have rather seen us all as slaves eating dirt.

[A. Pole]

The margin was greater among scientists: 60.9 percent for Newton and 39.1 percent for Einstein.

Still the greatest is Aristotle.

[phantomworker]

Wonder why:

The"public" voted Newton as the winner by only 0.2 of a percentage point (50.1 percent to 49.9 percent) but

The margin was greater among scientists: 60.9 percent for Newton and 39.1 percent for Einstein.

I would think the public would vote Newton inventing gravity as the winner.

[Right Wing Assault]

Considering Newton did his work in the 1666 and beyond era, I find his accomplishments amazing.

[WillamShakespeare]

He also proved mathematically that atoms exist and that light is made of particles called photons, setting the theoretical foundations for nuclear bombs and solar power.

...And photon torpedoes

"Hey we are being attacked. Quickly shoot the photon torpedo."

[AngrySpud]

Let`s see ... a bunch of English scientists vote for the English scientist.

[The Iguana]

Agree with the poll.

[Oztrich Boy]

Newton vs Einstein

1. Who was better dressed?
2. Who had better hair?
3. Who was more handsome?
4. Who got more action with the chicks?

[ml1954]

Pro-Newton scientists argue he led the transition from an era of superstition and dogma to the modern scientific method.

This gets my vote. As I write, this battle is still being waged.

Einstein is like a fine wine that needs to be aged before the full impact of his ideas can be appreciated.

[VadeRetro]

I can see it. Newton practically invented dynamics. There were some bits and pieces from Galileo and Kepler, but Newton was incredible. Then, he also did important work in optics and mathematics.

[InterceptPoint]

Was there ever any doubt?

Newton was the greatest scientist/mathematician of all time. He has no serious competitors. This guy invented calculus and gave us the method for computing the motion of the planets around the sun, navigating to the moon (with a little tweak from Albert) and the flight of a bullet. Amazing.

I think he died a virgin. Someone should check that out. If so it just goes to show how much more we could accomplish if we weren't being distracted all the time by the ladies.

[southernnorthcarolina]

Albert Einstein (to his wife): " Look, dear, I've arrived at the theory of relativity! E = mc cubed!"

Mrs. Einstein: "mc cubed? Albert, haven't I told you not to drink and derive?"

[Semi Civil Servant]

So what did Newton do?

Write the Principia, define the laws of motion, invent calculus, invent the Newtonian telescope, figure out gravity, and on and on.

What a showoff.

(P.S. An American poll would have probably named Bill Nye as history's greatest scientist.)