Isaac Newton vs Leibniz: Calculus Notation (1680s)
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Both Newton and Leibniz independently developed calculus. The mathematical world had to choose whose notation system to adopt. Leibniz's dx/dy notation won out over Newton's dot notation for most applications.
Leibniz Notation (dx/dy)
1684
developed
dy/dx, integral sign
notation style
Intuitive for chain rule, substitution
readability
Adopted worldwide for most calculus
outcome
Newton Notation (Dots)
1687
developed
Dot notation (fluxions)
notation style
Compact but limited
readability
Still used in physics for time derivatives
outcome
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