Gentlemen: please note

"Gentlemen: please note" by Randall Garrett is a science fiction story that explores an alternate history where Isaac Newton's groundbreaking math collides with military research. Dr. Samuel Hackett seeks help from his friend, Sir James Trowbridge, to find lost letters that could shed light on Newton's theories, which may even predate Einstein. Through their correspondence, the story reveals Newton's frustrating attempts to share his calculations on cannon trajectories with military leaders, who dismiss his revolutionary physics ideas as nonsense. This clash highlights the theme of genius being misunderstood and the absurd relationship between innovation and established power. The narrative shows Newton's eventual recognition following conflict while also pondering on faith and reason.