Though scientist was not thought to be a great drinker, he may have used beer as an ingredient in the homemade ink in which he wrote his greatest work

Issac Newton has long been a familiar figure in museums around the world. Now, one of the famed scientist’s most prized possessions is due to go on display for the first time in 160 years: his beer mug.

The wooden mug will be on public display at the Royal Society, in central London, from 4 March, alongside items including Newton’s greatest work, the Principia, and the scientist’s death mask, which was prepared shortly after his death to serve as a likeness for sculptures.