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In Round Two of TLT's Great Science Smackdown, we matched Sir Isaac Newton against Albert Einstein. As with Round One, where we pitted Leonardo da Vinci against Thomas Edison, our readers had to evaluate the creativity and contributions of both men and allow for the difference in their eras. In the end, our readers gave the nod to Newton 55% to 45%. Many readers rated Newton higher because he came first and, therefore, is considered the more original thinker. Many cited Newton's contributions in a broader range of study-physics, mechanics, calculus, optics and even coin minting. Those who chose Einstein noted that he is still considered the most intelligent person who ever Uvea. Others noted that Newton's work was observational, Einstein's theoretical. As one reader noted, "We're still trying to understand Einstein's work. Newton's is taught in junior high." Many who chose Einstein offered three words as their reason: Theory of Relativity. Perhaps the final statement on this Smackdown comes from the reader who said, "Isaac Newton opened the door, and Albert Einstein walked through."
Newton's contributions and invention of calculus is very wide reaching.
Einstein's Theory of Relativity is the basis for science today.
Albert Einstein built on Newton's gravity ideas, which were groundbreaking.
E=mc^sup 2^ was so far out there and visualized (correctly) in Einsteins head long before he could derive it.
Newton understood and explained basic rules of physics.
Newton's theory is more fundamental.
Einstein's E=mc^sup 2^ is the basis of the universe as we know it today. And he inspired the likes of Steven Hawkins and company in further discoveries of black holes, wormholes, etc.
Einstein's work is more abstract than Newton's.
Newton introduced broader concepts.
While Newton's work changed the course of physics at the time, Einstein developed a unified theory of mass and energy under the strict oversight of peer review and the highly competitive environment in modern university research. The ramifications of his theories are still not completely understood and may not be for decades.
Isaac Newton was the father of physics. Einstein used a lot of concepts and interpretation of Newton for his theory.
Newton Invented Calculus. All Einstein did was relate energy to matter, no big deal.
Newton's physics was grounded in the observable. Einstein was...