Isaac Barrow is noted for his contributions to the field of optics. He is also remembered as the professor who served as inspiration and mentor to Isaac Newton.

Barrow was born in London. His father, Thomas, was a merchant who served as linen draper to King Charles I. Barrow's mother, Anne, died shortly after his birth. Barrow attended Charterhouse, a school noted for its emphasis on a classical education. He was a rowdy youngster, more interested in scrapping with other students than studying. Barrow was transferred to Felsted School in Essex, where it was hoped that schoolmaster Martin Holbeach's strict discipline would correct his bad habits and promote scholastic achievement.

Barrow stayed at Felsted for four years, thriving on the social and academic discipline it offered. He studied Latin, Greek, Hebrew, French, logic, and the classics. When Barrow's father suffered financial losses when a rebellion destroyed textile trade...