great men and women of science

1. Nikola Tesla (1856-1943 AD)
This Serbian born scientist atop the list because of his immense knowledge in different fields of
science and technology. Without a question, this 1856 born guy was a cool geek. He could speak 8
languages, recite a whole book completely just with one reading, make a device just by seeing it once and
not writing down anything. A funny fact about him was that he was a celibate his whole life. Tesla had
developed almost everything by himself and did not expose any of it which later was invented by other
scientists in his time. Tesla had generated ac current before Edison knew about charges. Markoni who got
Nobel prize for inventing radio used all the ideas of Tesla. X-rays by Roentgen, RADAR by Watson-watt
were all devised by Nikola Tesla. There was almost nothing that Tesla did not do. First hydroelectricity
plant in Niagara falls, experiments with cryogenic engineering, transistors, radio wave recorder from
outer space were all built by Tesla. Remote control, neon lightening, modern electric motor, earthquake
machine are finest inventions from Tesla. He was a true genius. However, most of his ideas and
inventions were either copied, stolen or taken by somebody else. Tesla made a way to charge a house with
electric lightening for electricity purpose but did not share it thinking somebody else will take it. This
incredible mind created revolution with his inventions. He was a future-thinker and his minds would run
on any wavelengths. However, he died tragically in a hotel room and was found dead only after two days
of his death in 1943.
Albert Einstein (1879-1955 AD)
Born on 1879 in Ulm, Einstein is considered as one of the greatest revolutionary scientist the
world has ever known.The “Man of Century” has some spectacular works in physics which even makes
him the father of modern physics for his contribution in developing the general theory of relativity. The
world’s most famous equation E=mc2 on which the bomb is based comes from his theory.One of the
greatest scientist of the 20th century, Einstein’s Special theory of relativity revolutionized physics which
even challenged the scientists at CERN. Albert Einstein’s genius mind for the scientific advancement
cause immeasurable change to the world. Together with his intellect, he was also a celebrity with his
flirtatious behavior that could impress any women.This rare genius was awarded Nobel Prize in 1921
”For his work on theortical physics, and for his discovery of the photoelectric effect”. Greatest physicist
ever voted Einstein died on 1955 in Princeton.
Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727 AD)
Born on 1643 in Woolsthrope, England, Sir Issac Newton is best known for his law on
gravitation. He was a poor student at school or at running the family estate. However, he loved making
mechanical toys and models of windmills. Newton explained the theory of gravity and gravitation by
inventing calculus as no other principles could explain it. The new revolution in mathematics, calculus
was derived from his binomial theorem to infinite series which accurately could measure the area inside
the curve or rate of change of it. He also explained the theory on tides which occurred due to the
gravitation pull from the sun, moon and earth. He also invented the reflecting telescope. Newtons laws
can be found in different areas of mechanics, optics and chemistry. He was knighted with the title Sir by
Queen Anne in 1705. Newton died at the age of 84, in 1727.
Louis Pasteur (1822-1895 AD)
Louis Pasteur made astounding contributions in the field of science, technology and medicine.
This genius was born on 1822 and spent his life working in chemistry and microbiology.Pasteur was the
first ever scientist to study about fermentation in food elements that was caused by microbes. He also
explained about biogenesis and proposed a theory named as the “Germ Theory”. He also created a

2. process of toning and treating milk free from the damage causing microbes to what he called
”Pasteurization”.Pasteur is also regarded as the first man on earth to ever discover cure for puerperal fever
and make the vaccines for rabies and anthrax. He also explained the asymmetry in various crystals on a
molecular basis. His breadth of accomplishment and approaches in different fields of discoveries and
inventions makes him a giant genius. He died in 1895.
Marie Curie Sklodowska (1867-1934 AD)
Marie Curie holds record for the first female to be awarded with a Nobel Prize. Inventor and
scientist Curie was born as the youngest of five children in the year 1867 in Warsaw, Poland. Marie Curie
has always remained a source of inspiration and motivation for different female scientists because of her
determination to work. She invented the first mobile X-ray machine which helped to check the injured
soldiers in the battlefield. Radium is another great invention from her. Curie experimented different
elements to check their radio activity and found thorium. She also invented the pitch-blend which was the
source of radiation in a mixture more powerful than uranium or thorium. She is also called ”the mother of
atom bomb” with her invention of the radio active materials. However, with all her brilliance, hard work
and patience in careful experiments she performed, her own invention killed her because of radiation
poisoning in 1934.
Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931 AD)
“The Wizard of the Menlo Park” nicknamed Thomas Alva Edison was born in 1847. Excelled as
both scientist and inventor, Edison patented a whopping total of 1,093 inventions in his life time. Most of
the inventions that came from Edison are batteries, phonographs, cement, mining, telegraphs, lights and
powers. He also improved the telephone made by Graham Bell and invented the kinetoscope that was
used for viewing moving films. He was seen working almost more than 20 hours a day. Edison
masterminded the digital voting system with his electro-graphic vote recorder for the legislative of the
parliament. He also proposed ideas on preserving fruits by keeping it in vacuum. Edison pioneered the
idea for storage batteries that was later used by Henry ford in his automobile. “Genius is one percent
inspiration and 99 percent perspiration” is one of the most famous quote by this genius. He died in the
year 1931.
Galileo Galilei (1564-1642 AD)
Born in Pisa, Italy in 1564, Galileo is called as the father of modern science because of his discoveries in
astronomy and physics. He was sent to study medicine by his father, but he chose his career in science
and mathematics and made the first telescope to observe stars and planets. He also discovered the law of
pendulum as he watched a chandelier swing in the cathedral of Pisa. He also discovered that the surface
of moon was not smooth but contained burrows and holes to what he called crater.
Galileo discovered 4 revolving moons around Jupiter which are named after him. He proved what
Copernicus said about sun being the center of the solar system. Galileo became blind in his old days and
died in the year 1642.
Michael Faraday (1791-1867 AD)
Born on 1791, British citizen Michael Faraday was a son of a blacksmith who had to leave school
in the fourth grade.It started working as a bookbinder and taught himself to read and writer. He developed
a fascination with science and particularly in electricity after he studied lot of serious academic works
during his days. Faraday is specially known for his discoveries of electromagnetic inductions and

3. rotations, field theory, dia-magnetization and the magneto-optical effect. This humble genius invented the
electric motor and Faraday’s ring. Faraday’s inquisitive and curious nature made him take chemistry
lectures and taught at the Royal Institution as a lecturer later when Humphry Davy retired. Faraday also
published research papers optical deceptions, condensation of gases and isolation of benzene from gas
oils. He also wrote books on ”Experimental Researches in Electricity” and the “Chemical history of the
Candle”. Faraday died on 1867.
Archimedes (287-212 BC)
Regarded as the greatest mathematician ever, Archimedes developed profound and influential knowledge
on mathematical physics and engineering that are widely used in machines as well as in constructions.
Born on 287 BC, Archimedes is one of the finest scientist who broke through in both theories and
practice. He introduced infinitesimals and laid the foundation for calculus. He gave descriptions on the
first finite geometric progression, computed areas and volumes of sphere and parabolic segments. He also
discovered the laws of lever, density, fluid equilibrium, buoyancy in different fields statics and
hydrostatics. He is regarded as the prophet to the formal science that was started in Ancient Greece. “Give
me a place to stand and I can move the whole world”, he said and we can still fill the impact of his
generosity even today. All other scientists after him stand on his shoulders. Even though most of his work
were burned in the museum of Alexandria, the remnants gave enough ideas for modern day science and
technology.
Aristotle (384-322 BC)
Student of Plato and a tutor to Alexander the Great, Aristotle was a genius Greek philosopher and
scientist of the ancient age. Born on 384 BC Aristotle was a biologist, a zoologist, ethicist, a political
scientist and the master of rhetoric and logic. He also gave theories in physics and meta physics. Aristotle
gained knowledge in different fields with his expansive mind and prodigious writings. However, only a
fraction of his writings are preserved at present. Aristotle made collections to the plant and animal
specimens and classified them according to their characteristics which made an standard for future work.
He further gave theories on the philosophy of science. Aristotle also elaborated and estimated the size of
earth which Plato assumed to be globe. Aristotle explained the chain of life through his study in flora and
fauna where it turned from simple to more complex.