Compilation of Most famous scientists Important men and women of vital importance who devoted their lives to research and who obtained great contributions, advances, inventions and discoveries for humanity. His legacy is priceless, but it never hurts to acknowledge his merits.
In this article the names and images are listed simply for the sake of making the reader easier to read. However, it would be insolent to decide why one is better than another. It is therefore necessary to make clear that order does not mark the degree of merit. They are different scientific fields and therefore incomparable in any way.
Science and technology have continuously changed the life of the human being. The scientist of today is esteemed and recognized in society, although in some countries they could receive more money for their investigations.
Scientists include theorists - such as Einstein or Stephen Hawking - who primarily develop new models to explain existing data and predict new results, and experimental ones - such as Marie Curie or Edison - who test models by making measurements, though in practice The division between these activities is unclear and many scientists perform both tasks.
I hope you read the article with the feeling of leaving a good taste in the mouth discovering these illustrious people who have done so much good for the world. If you finish missing some other great person in physics, medicine, mathematics, engineering or any branch of science, do not hesitate to suggest it in comments.
You may also like she is ready With the most important historical personages.
Top 50 scientists in history
1-Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)
Most relevant scientist of the 20th century and possibly the greatest symbol of science. Despite being a lousy student, Einstein presented in Bern at the age of 26 the theory of spatial relativity, his most remarkable landmark. Simultaneously, from this theory extracted the most known equation of history: E = mc², where mass equals energy.
He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics (1921) and, although considered the"father of the atomic bomb", he always advocated pacifism and democratic socialism.
If you want to know more about this scientist browse the article" Albert Einstein's 100 best quotes ".
2- Isaac Newton (1643-1727)
For many the most complete scientist in history. Physicist, alchemist, mathematician, astronomer or inventor, stands out for the famous Laws of Newton, with which established the bases of gravitational laws.
In addition, with Leibniz, he is the architect of the development of integral and differential calculus or the corpuscular theory of light.
If you want to know more about this scientist browse the article" Isaac Newton's 37 Best Sentences ".
3- Stephen Hawking (1942-Act.)
The most popular theoretical physicist since Albert Einstein. Although his life has been marked by a degenerative disease, the scientist has managed to handle it without problems to publish important works on space-time or general relativity.
Hawking has twelve honorary doctorates, as well as other awards such as the Prince of Asturias Award for Concord (1989) or the Special Prize for Fundamental Physics (2012).
If you want to know more about this scientist browse the article" Stephen Hawking's 71 Best Phrases ".
4 - Marie Curie (1867 - 1934)
First person able to obtain two Nobel prizes in two different categories (Physics and Chemistry), besides being the first woman to exercise like professor in the University of Paris.
Together with her husband Pierre they created a great tandem, being a very strong support to become one of the pioneers in investigating in the field of radioactivity. Among his successes is the discovery of radium and polonium.
Marie Curie is part of the" 30 most famous and outstanding women in history ".
5 Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)
Icon of the Scientific Revolution of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It comprised several fields of science and the arts, but mainly emphasized in physics and astronomy.
"The father of science"laid the foundations of modern mechanics such as dynamics or kinematics, in addition to achieving great successes such as the improvement of the telescope.
If you want to know more about this scientist browse the article" Galileo Galilei's Top 33 Phrases ".
6- Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)
Early genius in love with the science he soon exercised as a physicist and mathematician, two of the fields, along with natural history, in which he left a huge legacy.
Pascal's Principle, Pascal's Theorem, Pascal's Triangle, or Pascaline are some of his theoretical works. In addition it would have to emphasize its contribution in the construction of mechanical calculators or its investigations on the fluids.
7- Charles Darwin (1809 - 1882)
Possibly next to Galilei, the most controversial scientist in history. The reason is his theory of biological evolution through natural selection. To this day, this idea is the fundamental basis of biology as a science.
Darwin studied medicine and theology, but never came to create a real interest in the British author. It was not until 1830 when botanist John Henslow discovered Darwin's natural history.
If you want to know more about this scientist browse the article" Charles Darwin's Top 50 Phrases ".
8- Nicholas Copernicus (1473 - 1543)
Another important figure of the Scientific Revolution. Copernicus is considered the most important astronomer in history.
Almater of the University of Krakow, developed the heliocentric theory of the Solar System, which marked a before and after in modern astronomy, as well as one of the most important theories of science in general.
9- Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)
One of the most known and valued people of his time. Inventor and scientist, he is also one of the founding fathers of the United States.
Curious about electricity, Franklin invented the lightning rod and also formulated concepts like positive and negative electricity. Other inventions could include the Franklin stove, odometers, diver fins or bifocals.
10- Alexander Fleming (1881 - 1955)
Microbiologist almost by chance since being the son of peasants had very difficult to access a higher education. Similar case of serendipity were its two most important discovery: lizosima and penicillin.
These antibiotic properties have saved millions of life and in turn have promoted the creation of new specialties in modern medicine.
11- Johannes Kepler (1571 - 1630)
Although he had a hard childhood, Kepler overcame his difficulties thanks to his astonishing intelligence and was able to study in the seminaries of Adelberg and Maulbronn.
Astronomer and mathematician, he was in the service of King Rudolph II, where he was able to develop his investigations. Its most important contribution was the laws on the movement of the planets in their orbit around the Sun, being one of the figures of the Scientific Revolution.
12- Louis Pasteur (1822 - 1895)
One of the bastions of modern medicine and founder of microbiology. Chemist and drummer, he reformulated the theory of infectious diseases that had been established since the time of Hippocrates.
Among many achievements, perhaps his greatest contributions were the discovery of the rabies vaccine and the technique of pasteurization.
13- Gregor Mendel (1822 - 1884)
Pioneer in the study of the field of genetics. Monk and botanist, Mendel carried out rigorous experiments with peas to publicize the genetic inheritance through the laws of Mendel.
Although this is a turning point in modern biology, Mendel's work was not recognized until the 1990s, when Boom Of experiments and research among the scientific community.
14- Michael Faraday (1791-1867)
British physicist and chemist who left a mark on science thanks to his research on electromagnetism and electrochemistry.
Although his educational resources were very limited, Faraday soon stood out as a chemist by discovering benzene, one of the most remarkable hydrocarbons. Account to his credit with distinctions such as the Order of Merit of Sciences and Arts or the Copley Medal.
15- Max Planck (1858 - 1947)
Multifaceted in the different sciences and humanities, his most representative legacy left him in physics and mathematics. He is considered the founder of quantum theory.
He was Nobel Prize winner of Physics in 1918 and had as students two other winners of the prize awarded by the Swedish Academy: Gustav Hertz and Max von Laue.
16- Thomas Alva Edison (1847 - 1931)
An invention every 15 days if we tell it from his adult age. This is the impressive fact that leaves us one of the most excellent inventors in history.
A scientist and great businessman, Edison contributed to improving the contemporary world with inventions such as the phonograph, the viable telephone system or the incandescent filament lamp, his most recognized contribution.
If you want to know more about this scientist browse the article" Thomas Edison's Top 50 Phrases ".
17 - Archimedes of Syracuse (287 a.C. - 212 a.C.)
Engineer, philosopher, astronomer or inventor. However, he is known above all for his contributions to the field of mathematics and physics. Perhaps the most important scientist of classical antiquity.
Known by the Archimedes Principle and the Lever Principle, many of the later advances in mathematics and astronomy are due to the legacy left by this genius.
If you want to know more about this scientist browse the article" Archimedes' Top 8 Phrases ".
18- Leonardo da Vinci (1452 - 1519)
Although his artistic work is better known and is what has given him name, his scientific side is at the same height in importance.
Botanist, astronomer, engineer or biologist, the greatest Renaissance figure devised drafts on the car, the helicopter and made important contributions on anatomy. Everything ahead of its time.
If you want to know more about this scientist browse the article" Leonardo da Vinci's 85 Best Phrases ".
19- Louis Gay-Lussac (1778 - 1850)
Physicist and chemist notable for his contribution to science with Charles's Law, one of the most significant laws of gases.
Gay-Lussac was a member of the Royal Society and a scholar of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. In addition, he was awarded the Order of Merit of Sciences and Arts.
20- Nikola Tesla (1856 - 1943)
Another advanced at the time that lived in ostracism precisely because of its advances so modern but little applicable to the time in which he lived.
Its main legacy is linked to the field of electromagnetism, laying the bases of the alternating current and the polyphasic system. With nearly 300 patents, he is credited with, among others, the invention of radio.
21- Rudolf Hertz (1857 - 1894)
(1857 - 1894) Although her life was ephemeral because of her health problems, Hertz was a notable physicist who contributed to science by discovering the propagation of electromagnetic waves in space, as well as their properties and nature.
Hertz, unit of measure of frequency owes its name to Hertz, because telecommunications owes its existence to this genius of science.
22- Ibn al-Haytham (964-1040)
Also known as Alhacén, this physicist, mathematician and astronomer is recognized as one of the parents of the scientific method through observation and experimentation.
In the field of optics was where most stood, laying the foundation for the creation of the telescope or microscope.
23- Robert Hooke (1635-1703)
Experimental scientist in medicine, biology, chronometry or physics. He was one of the creators of the illustrious Royal Society of London.
Genius who had little recognition because of his poor performance in going deeper into his research. Among his achievements are the law of elasticity of Hooke and his work Micrographia , In which it carries out study on the structures of insects, plants and fossils. First person who used the term"cells".
24- Santiago Ramón y Cajal (1852 - 1934)
Spanish doctor awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine (along with Camillo Golgi) for his research on the structure of the nervous system.
Specialized in histology and pathological anatomy, his most notable work was linked to the morphology and connective processes of nerve cells (neuron doctrine).
25- Aristotle (384 BC-322 BC)
Possibly the first great scientist in history. He established the first scientific method (analysis and synthesis) applied to make the first classifications of living beings.
Although considered by many as a person who receded the advance of science, the truth is that his work served to develop important studies later.
If you want to know more about this scientist browse the article"The 100 best sentences of Aristotle".
26- Pierre Simon Laplace (1749 - 1827)
Astronomer, physicist and mathematician. TheLaplace Theorem, the Laplace Transform, and Scientific Determinism is its most important legacy for science.
27- Miguel Servetus (1509 - 1553)
Although his specialties covered meteorology, astronomy or physics, his most popular work had to do with anatomy thanks to his research on pulmonary circulation.
28- Erwin Schrodinger (1887 - 1961)
He displayed his most remarkable work in the field of quantum physics, contributing to quantum mechanics and thermodynamics. Nobel Prize in Physics (1933).
29- Severo Ochoa (1905 - 1993)
Specialist in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine (1959) for the synthesis of RNA, among other contributions.
30 - Karl Landsteiner (1868 - 1943)
Pathologist and Biologist. Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine (1930). His most important contribution was the discovery and typification of blood groups and the infectious nature of poliomyelitis.
31- Alfred Nobel (1833 - 1896)
Famous for naming the prize awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Inventor of the dynamite, dedicated his life to the engineering and the chemistry for the arms factory.
32- Werner Karl Heisenberg (1901-1976)
Physicist who won the Nobel Prize in his field in 1932. His most important contribution was the formulation of the principle of uncertainty, a concept that revolutionized quantum physics.
33- Carl Friedrich Gauss (1777 - 1855)
"The Prince of Mathematicians"is known for his Theory of Number, the Gaussian function or his contribution to mathematical analysis or algebra.
34- Tim Berners-Lee (1955)
Expert in scientific computing, he is the creator of the web and the development of the fundamental ideas that structure them. A contribution of which he did not want to profit to give it to the world.
35 - Pythagoras (579 BC - 475 BC)
Developer of Hellenic mathematics and arithmetic. The famous Pythagorean Theorem, the Harmony of the Spheres or the Pythagorean Tuning are some of its most outstanding formulations.
36- Sofia Kovalévskaya (1850 - 1891)
First woman to obtain a position as professor at a European University (Sweden). Specialized in mathematics, her two most important works are: On the theory of differential equations Y On the rotation of a solid body around a fixed point .
37- John Dalton (1766-1844)
Chemist and mathematician among other facets. He laid the foundations of modern chemistry thanks to his theory of atom and unity of atomic mass. He also described color blindness, visual illness that does not allow the perception of colors.
38- James Dewey Watson (1928)
Biologist and Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1962) for having discovered the DNA molecule. In addition, its contribution to molecular biology has been fundamental for the later development of studies.
39- René Descartes (1596 - 1650)
Mathematician and French physicist, besides one of the precursors of the modern philosophy. An important part of the scientific revolution thanks to analytical geometry and other contributions.
If you want to know more about this scientist browse the article" The 50 best sentences of René Descartes ".
40- Robert Boyle (1627-1691)
Founding member of the Royal Society of London. His greatest contribution to science was Boyle's law and his study on the propagation of sound in a vacuum.
41- Gottfried Leibniz
(1646 - 1716) Great mathematician and one of the most relevant metaphysicians in history. He is considered the father of the calculation.
42- Peter Higgs
(1929) British physicist awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics (2013) and the Prince of Asturias Award for Scientific and Technical Research (2013) among other honors. Your big milestone? The discovery of the Higgs Boson, better known as"the particle of God".
43- Georg Simon Ohm
(1789 - 1854) Physicist and mathematician known for his theory of electric currents (Ohm's Law). The Ohm, unit of electrical resistance, owes its name to this scientist.
44- Isaac Asimov
(1920 - 1992) Although he was a professor of biochemistry, his greatest contribution to science has come out of his fist. He has been one of the greatest scientific promoters in history, thanks in part to his science fiction stories.
45- Alexander Graham Bell
(1847 - 1922) British scientist popular for his inventions and his contribution to telecommunications. Amid a great controversy over who was the real inventor, Graham Bell patented the phone in the United States in 1876.
46- Niels Bohr
(1885 - 1962) Winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics (1922) for his contributions to quantum mechanics and to the understanding of the structure of the atom.
47- Mario Molina
(1943) Chemical engineer born in Mexico. He was the first to warn of the Antarctic ozone hole, a discovery that was not recognized until many years later. He won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1995.
48- Alessandro Volta
(1745 - 1827) His great contribution was the development of the electric battery. The volt, electromotive force of the International System of Units, owes its name to this Italian physicist. He was also the discoverer of methane.
49- Guillermo Marconi
(1874 - 1937) Nobel Prize in Physics (1909) for being one of the drivers of the radio, for inventing the system of telegraphy without wire and by the Law of Marconi.
50- Joseph Fourier
(1768 - 1830) Excellent man in the field of mathematics. It is owed much thanks to the Fourier Series and the Fourier Transform. It contributed to try to explain scientifically the greenhouse effect.
51- Richard Feynman
(1918-1988) was a American physicist known for his work in the integral formulation of quantum mechanics, the theory of quantum electrodynamics and the physics of superfluity of supercooling of liquid helium. He received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1965 for his contributions to the development of quantum electrodynamics, along with Julian Schwinger and Sin'ichirō Tomonaga.
52- Ernest Rutherford
(1925-1930) was a British physicist born in New Zealand who came to be known as the father of nuclear physics. The Encyclopedia Britannica considers him the greatest experimentalist since Michael Faraday.
53- Francis Crick
(1916-2004) He was a British molecular biologist, biophysicist and neuroscientist, best known for being the co-discoverer of the structure of the DNA molecule in 1953 with James Watson. Together with Watson and Maurice Wilkins, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962"for his discoveries on the molecular structure of nucleic acids and their importance for the transfer of information in living material."
54- Edwin Hubble
(1889-1953) He was an American astronomer who played a crucial role in establishing the fields of extragalactic astronomy and observational cosmology. He is considered as one of the most important astronomers of all time.
55- Rosalind Franklin
(1920-1958) He was an English chemist and an X-ray crystallographer who contributed to the understanding of the molecular structures of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), RNA, viruses, carbon, and graphite. Although his works on coal and viruses were appreciated in his lifetime, his contributions to the discovery of DNA structure were largely recognized posthumously.
56- Enrico Fermi
(1901-1954) was an Italian physicist who created the world's first nuclear reactor, the Chicago Pile-1. He has been called the"architect of the nuclear age"and the"architect of the atomic bomb". He was one of the few physicists in history to excel both theoretically and experimentally.
Carlos Linnaeus
(1707-1778) was a Swedish botanist, doctor and zoologist, who formalized the modern system of naming organisms called binomial nomenclature. It is considered as the father of modern taxonomy.
58- Paul Dirac
(1902-1984) was an English physicist who made fundamental contributions to the early development of quantum mechanics and quantum electrodynamics.
Linus Pauling
(1901-1994) He was an American chemist, biochemist, activist, writer, and educator. He published more than 1,200 articles and books, of which about 850 addressed scientific topics. He was one of the founders of quantum chemistry and molecular biology.
60- Robert Oppenheimer
(1904-1967) was an American physicist and professor of physics at the University of California at Berkeley. He was the war chief of the Los Alamos Laboratory and one of the"fathers of the atomic bomb"for his role in the Manhattan Project.
61- Rachel Carson
(1907-1964) was an American marine biologist, author and conservationist whose book Silent Spring and other writings helped advance the global environmental movement.
62- Antoine Lavoisier
(1743-1794) was a French nobleman and chemist of the chemical revolution of the eighteenth century. He had a great influence both in the history of chemistry and in the history of biology. It is widely considered in popular literature as the father of modern chemistry.
63- James Clerk Maxwell
(1831-1879) He was a Scottish scientist in the field of mathematical physics. Its most notable achievement was to formulate the classical theory of electromagnetic radiation, gathering for the first time electricity, magnetism and light as manifestations of the same phenomenon.
64- Heinrich Rudolf Hertz
(1857-1894) was a German physicist who proved conclusively the existence of electromagnetic waves theorized by the electromagnetic theory of light James Clerk Maxwell.
65- William Thomson
(1824-1907) was a Scottish-Irish mathematical physicist and engineer who performed important work in the mathematical analysis of electricity and the formulation of the first and second laws of thermodynamics.
Andre Marie Ampere, Kelvin, Socrates, Doppler, Karl Marx, Samuel Morse, Galois, Avogadro, Thales of Miletus, Anders Celsius... all of them are illustrious men of science who could appear in this ranking. Do you know any more that deserve to appear in this article?