Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) was credited with the invention of the cat flap. He is thought to have devised it as a means to allow cats to enter his study without disturbing his optics experiments.
I've read this before. Gives a nice impression of the man- not a cold, stuffy scientist but someone who likes his cat.
However, he may have invented the flap part, but the idea of a small hole at the foot of the door for a cat is older. There are engravings of monasteries/castles/churches, predating Newton, that show wee holes in the doors, reinforced with a metal rim :^)
Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) was credited with the invention of the cat flap. He is thought to have devised it as a means to allow cats to enter his study without disturbing his optics experiments.
2 comments:
I've read this before. Gives a nice impression of the man- not a cold, stuffy scientist but someone who likes his cat.
However, he may have invented the flap part, but the idea of a small hole at the foot of the door for a cat is older. There are engravings of monasteries/castles/churches, predating Newton, that show wee holes in the doors, reinforced with a metal rim :^)
Hi Helena,
You always bring a nice touch and an extra dimension with your comments.
I'm really intrigued about the engravings - thank you for sharing that with us.
And thank you for painting the word-picture of a scientist with a soul.
Cheers
David
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