ATM about Cassegrain

[astillma@nit.AirTouch.COM (Anthony Stillman)]

Cassegrain was a contemporary of Newton (1642-1727).  Cassegrain took
his design to Newton, by then a respected and learned man, for review.
Newton who was known for his erogance shot down Cassegrain and his
design. Told him it would never work, couldn't be built and he would
be a laughing stock if he published it.  So the design remained
unpublished until it was re-invented in the late 1700's or early
1800's.  

I'll ask a friend (history of physics piled higher and deeeper) about 
more details.  It will take a while as Lee is not electronically connected.

Anthony

BTW  For all his greatness Newton was a jerk.  He held back science as
much as he advanced it.  His life ended while writing theological dribble,
in an attempt to make piece with his g-d, who he was sure in anger had
sent the plague to England.