Robert Hooke

About

British philosopher and scientist whose observations through the microscope changed the fundamental assumptions of science. He spoke Latin and Greek. He provided advancements in land surveying and map making. 

Before Fame

He was fascinated with the inner workings of mechanisms early in his childhood, and he took apart a clock and made a functional wooden replica.

Trivia

He became very guarded about his work and remained obscure after his death. He was also a Professor of Geometry at Gresham College in 1662. 

Family Life

His father and both of his uncles were Anglican ministers. 

Associated With

He proposed the mathematical formula for the strength of gravity before Isaac Newton actually worked it out on paper.