Science is an ever-growing, ever-changing field of study. Every principle, every discovery is built on top of a previous discovery. Great scientists have studied life, the environment, and the physical world trying to learn more about why things are the way they are. Readers gain insight to some of the greatest scientific minds history has to offer, from Archimedes to Stephen Hawking.

Drawing on the lives of five great scientists, this “scholarly, insightful, and beautifully written book” (Martin Rees, author of From Here to Infinity) illuminates the path to scientific discovery. Charles Darwin, William Thomson (Lord Kelvin), Linus Pauling, Fred Hoyle, and Albert Einstein all made groundbreaking contributions to their fields—but each also stumbled badly. Darwin’s theory of natural selection shouldn’t have worked, according to the prevailing beliefs of his time. Lord Kelvin gravely miscalculated the age of the earth. Linus Pauling, the world’s premier chemist, constructed an erroneous model for DNA in his haste to beat the competition to publication. Astrophysicist Fred Hoyle dismissed the idea of a “Big Bang” origin to the universe (ironically, the caustic name he gave to this event endured long after his erroneous objections were disproven). And Albert Einstein speculated incorrectly about the forces of the universe—and that speculation opened the door to brilliant conceptual leaps. As Mario Livio luminously explains in this “thoughtful meditation on the course of science itself” (The New York Times Book Review), these five scientists expanded our knowledge of life on earth, the evolution of the earth, and the evolution of the universe, despite and because of their errors. “Thoughtful, well-researched, and beautifully written” (The Washington Post), Brilliant Blunders is a wonderfully insightful examination of the psychology of five fascinating scientists—and the mistakes as well as the achievements that made them famous.

Short biographies of six persons of renown in the scientific world ranging in time from the latter part of the fifteenth century to the middle of the twentieth.

Nearly forty of the world's most esteemed scientists discuss the big questions that drive their illustrious careers. Co-editor Eduardo Punset—one of Spain's most loved personages for his popularization of the sciences—interviews an impressive collection of characters drawing out the seldom seen personalities of the world's most important men and woman of science. In Mind, Life and Universe they describe in their own words the most important and fascinating aspects of their research. Frank and often irreverent, these interviews will keep even the most casual reader of science books rapt for hours. Can brain science explain feelings of happiness and despair? Is it true that chimpanzees are just like us when it comes to sexual innuendo? Is there any hard evidence that life exists anywhere other than on the Earth? Through Punset's skillful questioning, readers will meet one scientist who is passionate about the genetic control of everything and another who spends her every waking hour making sure African ecosystems stay intact. The men and women assembled here by Lynn Margulis and Eduardo Punset will provide a source of endless interest. In captivating conversations with such science luminaries as Jane Goodall, James E. Lovelock, Oliver Sachs, and E. O. Wilson, Punset reveals a hidden world of intellectual interests, verve, and humor. Science enthusiasts and general readers alike will devour Mind, Life and Universe, breathless and enchanted by its truths.

DK Eyewitness Great Scientists is an exciting and informative guide to the fascinating lives of the world's most famous thinkers, philosophers, inventors, innovators and pioneers. Stunning photographs offer a unique "eyewitness" view of the ideas and innovations that have changed the way we live today. Your child will discover all about Benjamin Franklin's electrical charges, Albert Einstein's theory of relativity and the many others whose discoveries have shaped our world. Great for projects or just for fun, make sure your child learns everything they need to know about Great Scientists. Find out more and download amazing clipart images at www.dk.com/clipart.

Meet the brainiest bunch of minds behind the greatest breakthroughs in world science, with this non-fiction book for kids. Go hunting for ancient fossils with Mary Anning, star-gazing with Neil DeGrasse Tyson, and investigating with Sir Isaac Newton, as you follow the stories of more than 50 great scientists and their life-changing discoveries. Scientists looks at the extraordinary breakthroughs from history through charming storytelling and in great detail, covering celebrated familiar figures as well as lesser-known trailblazers, each with a tale as intriguing as it is unique. From volcano obsessed Katia and Maurice Krafft and lithium-ion battery inventor Akira Yoshino, to colour-pioneer Chika Kuroda, who became Japan's first female Bachelor of Science - the scientists in this book have all used their intelligence and determination to make vital discoveries that have improved our world forever. These groundbreaking developments range from some of the earliest findings, to modern-day advancements in science and technology. Beautiful descriptions of the scientists' lives are brought to life through stunning watercolour illustrations by Jessamy Hawke and fantastic photography highlights the detail of their discoveries. The scientists come from all walks of life and parts of the world, making this the perfect book for every budding scientist.

Learn all about the fascinating lives and tremendous impact of 100 extraordinary scientists from all over the world with this fact-filled biography collection for kids Educational and engaging, 100 Scientists Who Shaped World History features: Simple, easy-to-read text that has been freshly updated Illustrated portraits of each figure Fascinating facts about famous and lesser-known scientists A timeline, trivia questions, project ideas and more! From Pythagorus to Isaac Newton, Louis Pasteur to Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin to Stephen Hawking and many more, readers will be introduced to the lives and accomplishments of the greatest scientists throughout history. Organized chronologically, 100 Scientists Who Shaped World History offers a look at the amazing discoveries and advancements made by these figures and shows how scientific contributions have helped guide humanity for thousands of years.

Meet scientist Marie Curie! Getting to Know the World's Greatest Inventors and Scientists series combines a delightful mix of full-color historical reproductions, photos, and hilarious cartoon-style illustrations that bring to life the work and contributions of renowned scientists and inventors, combining poignant anecdotes with important factual information for readers (Ages 8-9). This book presents the life and accomplishments of the Polish-born scientist whose studies of radioactivity lead to the discovery of two new elements, for which she received two Nobel Prizes.