CHAPTER II.

Newton enters Trinity College, Cambridge—Origin of his Propensity for Mathematics—He studies the Geometry of Descartes unassisted— Purchases a Prism—Revises Dr. Barrow’s Optical Lectures—Dr. Barrow’s Opinion respecting Colours—Takes his Degrees—Is appointed a Fellow of Trinity College—Succeeds Dr. Barrow in the Lucasian Chair of Mathematics 26