xii Introduction
This book briefly describes the 100 greatest science discoveries of all time, the discoveries that have had the greatest impact on the development of human science and thinking.
Let me be clear about exactly what that means:
Greatest: “Of highest importance; much higher in some quality or degree of understanding” (Webster’s New College Dictionary).
Science: Any of the specific branches of scientific knowledge (physical sciences, earth
sciences, and life sciences) that derive knowledge from systematic observation, study,
and experimentation.
Discovery: The first time something is seen, found out about, realized, or known.
All time: The recorded (written) history of human civilizations.
This book, then, describes the process of finding out, of realizing key scientific information for the 100 science discoveries of the highest importance over the course of recorded human history. These are the biggest and most important of all of the thousands of
science discoveries. These are the science discoveries that represent the greatest efforts by
the best and brightest in the world of science.
There are many areas of human development and many kinds of important discoveries
not included here—for example, discoveries in art, culture, exploration, philosophy, society, history, or religion. I also excluded science discoveries that cannot be attributed to the
work of one individual or to a small group of collaborators. Global warming, as an example,
is a major research focus of our time. Its discovery may be critical to millions—if not billions—of human lives. However, no one individual can be credited with the discovery of
global warming. At a minimum, 30 researchers spread over 25 years each had a hand in
making this global discovery. So it is not included in my list of 100.
You will meet many of the giants of science in this book. Many—but certainly not all.
There are many who have made major contributions to the history and thought of science
without making one specific discovery that qualifies as one of the 100 greatest. Many of the
world’s greatest thinkers and discoverers are not here because their discoveries do not qualify as science discoveries.
Discoveries are not normally sought or made in response to existing practical needs, as
are inventions. Discoveries expand human knowledge and understanding. Often, it takes
decades (or even centuries) for scientists to understand and appreciate discoveries that turn
out to be critical. Gregor Mendel’s discovery of the concept of heredity is a good example.
No one recognized the importance of this discovery for more than 50 years—even though
we now regard it as the founding point for the science of genetics. Einstein’s theory of relativity was instantly recognized as a major discovery. However, a century later, scientists
still struggle to understand what it means and how to use it as we inch farther into space.
That would not be the case with a great invention. The process of invention focuses on
the creation of practical devices and products. Inventors apply knowledge and understanding to solve existing, pressing problems. Great inventions have an immediate and practical
use.