Newton solved it correctly; he showed that
the curve was a part of what is termed a cycloid--that is to say, a
curve like that which is described by a point on the rim of a
carriage-wheel as the wheel runs along the ground. Such was Newton's
geometrical insight that he was able to transmit a solution of the
problem on the day after he had received it, to the President of the
Royal Society.
In 1703 Newton, whose world wide fame was now established, was
elected President of the Royal Society. Year after year he was
re-elected to this distinguished position, and his tenure, which
lasted twenty-five years, only terminated with his life. It was in
discharge of his duties as President of the Royal Society that Newton
was brought into contact with Prince George of Denmark. In April,
1705, the Queen paid a visit to Cambridge as the guest of Dr.
Bentley, the then Master of Trinity, and in a court held at Trinity
Lodge on April 15th, 1705, the honour of knighthood was conferred
upon the discoverer of gravitation.
Urged by illustrious friends, who sought the promotion of knowledge,
Newton gave his attention to the publication of a new edition of the
"Principia." His duties at the Mint, however, added to the supreme
duty of carrying on his original investigations, left him but little
time for the more ordinary task of the revision.
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