Who are the greatest scientists through the ages, and why? From Archimedes to Newton to Einstein to Hawking, this book aims to furnish the answers. In biographical sketches that provide both historical and scientific context, the author chronicles the lives and accomplishments of some of the world's most influential figures in science. And, more controversially, he then ranks them in order of influence. Chosen with the aid and consultation of prominent scientists and historians of science, these figures are intended to represent the broadest possible range of endeavour and accomplishment. The list is made up of physicists, astronomers, physicians, chemists, biologists, psychologists and anthropologists. It includes those who discovered the laws of motion, principles of chemistry, structure of the atom, shape of the universe, evolution of life as well as the afflictions of both body and mind.