Hooke and Newton initially corresponded on scientific matters, including theories of light and gravitation. Hooke, with his broad and speculative thinking, often posed questions and offered suggestions to Newton, who was more rigorous and focused in his approach.

Newton presented his theory of light and colors to the Royal Society. Hooke, who had his own wave theory of light, criticized Newton's ideas, sparking the initial conflict between them. Hooke argued that Newton's theory was not entirely new and that he had made similar observations before.

Newton published his "Principia Mathematica", which presented his law of universal gravitation. Hooke claimed that Newton had taken his idea about gravity being inversely proportional to the square of the distance. Newton acknowledged that Hooke (along with others) had suggested the inverse square law, but he insisted that he was the one who mathematically proved it.

The tensions between Hooke and Newton persisted throughout their careers. Although they occasionally corresponded, their relationship remained strained. After Hooke's death, some accusations arose suggesting Newton deliberately downplayed Hooke's contributions to science.