Doctor Zirkel follows Isaac Newton’s famous steps under the fabled apple tree. Coloured wood engraving. Courtesy: Wellcome Trust.

[Scene 1:] The doctor leaves his house, carrying his measuring compass. [2] Strolls around. [3] Chances upon an apple in a tree. [4] Contemplates it. [5] It falls. [6] He measures the distance of the fallen apple from the tree. [7] Stoops to pick it up. [8] Meditates in his astronomical laboratory. [9] Stands up, apple in hand, having come to his momentous realisation.