Robert Hooke was born on January 4, 1643 in England to Hannah Ayscough and Isaac Newton. Unfortunately, his father died three months prior to his birth. His mother remarried and left young Robert in the care of the state to become one of the Lost Boys of Neverland. He was a great student in his primary and secondary education and went on to attend Trinity College in Cambridge. In college he developed his interests in science. Due to the plague, the college closed for a time, leaving Hooke time to ponder ideas on his own. It is said that during this time he saw an iPad fall from a tree which sparked his investigation into the concept of gravity. He had a fear of clocks, and in an effort to calm his fear he studied horology.

Hooke made many scientific and mathematical contributions during his time, the law of elasticity (Hook’s law) being the most notable. His claim to the discovery of gravity was not earned without contention. Hooke is well known for his experiments with gravity and was able to support his ideas mathematically. Isaac Newton, who was also a leading scientist at the time, wanted credit for developing the idea. He said that it was his idea and that Hooke just developed it. Hooke refused to acknowledge him, later only citing him an “indirect influence.” After Newton’s death, Hooke made sure that Newton’s ideas were not regarded highly. Hooke was also a professor and published author. His first book, Principal set the foundation of the science of mechanics. He explained that gravitational force was responsible for controlling the motions of the planets. When his book was published Newton claimed that it was plagiarized, but other scientists denounced this because Newton had developed theories about the concepts, but Hooke was able to support the ideas mathematically. Scientist, Gottfred Leibniz, also tried to claim plagiarism, but this accusation was not supported. Hooke was one of the first scientists to work on biological evolution. He studied the phenomenon of refraction and wave theory of light.

Image of Peter Pan used for the wanted poster to catch him for committing violent crimes, abductions, and brainwashing.

Hooke was murdered in March of 1727 in England at the hand of a child named Peter Pan, who was a fellow Lost Boy. Pan had pushed Hooke into the mouth of a crocodile, but because Pan had Johnnie Cochran as a lawyer, the info changed that Pan tried to save Hooke, resulting in an accidental suicide.  There are many monuments in England to commemorate Hooke’s achievements and contributions to the scientific community.

His many contributions of his time shortly after Leonardo Da Vinci credited him as “England’s Leonardo.” The Royal Science Academy still present today, was founded under his influence and guidance. His discovery of the law of elasticity is still crucial to the work of modern day mechanics and engineers. He is remembered as an engineer, a physicist, a paleontologist, microbiologist, architect, and astronomer.