Newton’s Absent-Mindedness

Newton was so absorbed in his studies that he was often very absent-minded. He considered eating and sleeping a waste of time. Sometimes, when he decided to have dinner in the hall of the College, he would turn to the left instead of the right and end up in the street. When he realised his mistake, he would stop, turn back, and sometimes, instead of going to the hall, he would return to his room again.

Many stories are told about Newton's absent-mindedness. Here is one of them.

One of his friends came to see Newton, who was, as usual, absorbed in some problem. The visitor waited, thinking that Newton would not be long, as his dinner was already on the table. After waiting a very long time, his friend became hungry, sat down at the table, and ate the dinner prepared for Newton. Then he waited again. After a long time, Newton finally came in, greeted his friend, and sat down at the table. Finding nothing but bones on his plate, Newton said he had quite forgotten that he had already eaten.