Since ancient times, the greatest minds have tried to make sense of the universe by observing objects far beyond our abilities to see or touch - from the smallest atom to the farthest star.

Covering, in chronological order, the key discoveries of the most prolific thinkers in each scientific field, including Aristotle, Darwin, da Vinci, Newton, Descartes and Hawking, the book also includes highlights of the most influential scientists' lives and works. Learn how Ptolemy fixed his results to match his theories; how Freud used cocaine to expand his thinking; and how Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, was banned from using university computers after being caught hacking.

Revealing how human curiosity knows no bounds, this book showcases the visionaries who have dared to question established 'truths' and whose theories shaped how we now look at the world.

All over the globe, in every field, scientists have used experimental methods to explore and verify theories ranging from evolution to general relativity. Beginning with the Ancients, through the pioneers of the Scientific Revolution, to the remarkable and increasingly specialized scientists of the modern era, they have inspired legions of followers, generated wonder and fear alike, and many have made discoveries that changed the course of history. This is a guide, in bite-sized chunks, to the life and work of more than 100 of the world's greatest scientists.