Historical Events from This Year 1684
Massachusetts Bay Colony Charter Revoked
In 1684, a scire facias writ issued by an English court revoked the charter of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. This action reflected the growing tensions between the colony and the Crown, as the colonists had increasingly pursued self-governance and religious independence. The court's decision raised concerns over colonial autonomy and set a precedent for royal intervention in colonial affairs. The writ directly challenged the legitimacy of the colonial charter.
Continue ReadingHalley Presents Newton's Derivation of Kepler's Laws
Edmond Halley read Isaac Newton's groundbreaking work, 'De motu corporum in gyrum,' to the Royal Society in London, showcasing Newton's derivation of the three laws of planetary motion, originally formulated by Johannes Kepler. This presentation was pivotal in demonstrating the relationship between gravity and celestial motion. It opened new doors for the understanding of the universe and laid the groundwork for modern physics. The insights gained from Newton’s derivation significantly impacted the scientific community's perspective on planetary orbits and mechanics.
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