Astrotales

Why an argument between two great mathematicians keep the English from understanding and utilizing calculus for two decades

The argument began with Newton discovering calculus at least 3 years before Leibniz independently developed it. Because Newton was loathe to publish his works (he hated disputes and disagreements), Newton's papers appeared after Leibniz. Newton's distaste for argument did not prevent him from claiming priority over Leibniz and so ensued a battle between the 2 mathematicians that made them both look like fools in front of their peers.

Because Newton's explication of calculus was much more difficult to understand, Englishmen loyal to Newton as an English mathematician caused calculus to be restricted to only those who could understand Newton's notations and methods.