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Brilliant! How many scientests and inventors throughout time have contributed and added to the world of science.
I just wonder - which one is your favorite and what was their claim to fame?

Of the ones you have there, it's unquestiongly Newton. His work made an entirely new way of analysis of the universe (Force based) that is still the foundation of almost all modern physics today.

None of the others have left nearly such a legacy.

Meanwhile, my most highly ranked would be Hubble who proved that the universe is much larger than we'd accepted at the time.

I have to agree with VoijaRisa on this one Newton is the greatest. *points at signature* The Theory of Gravity is a wonderful thing. (and I know that the earth does not literally suck)

I have to take issue (as usual) with the DaVinci comment. I think he was very much a scientist. Much of what he did was observe nature and think of ways to immitate it. The fact that he could devise a working flying machine (even if it couldn't be built then due to lack of plastic) by watching birds says wonders. He did not overly interested in theory or experiments but he did attempt to full grasp things though observation (so the act of repeated observing becomes like the experiment)

Other high points of DaVinci

1. He dissected many things (including people) and thus contributed the science of biology and medicine. He made detailed drawing of the muscle system, as well as several organs, and the skeleton. This was very unusual for his time, and his participation made it more acceptble (at least for artists).

2. He was very much an engineer, in that he designed many machines. (some of his drawing were even used as the basis for some robotic arms). He designed movable barricades for city defense, plans (used in his lifetime) to divert rivers for civil reasons, and numerous things that were never built in his life (due to lack of existing materials or support) such as a helicopter, tank, tool for concentrating solar energy (something similiar is now being explored as a more efficient alternative to solar panel for power plants), a calculator, and other flying machines. Several of his inventions also played a role in the industrial revolution. His plans for flying machines and gliders were among those studied by the wright brothers (look at DaVinci's original drawings, and then some of the early planes like the Wright Flyer, there is a clear resemblance).

3. He did devise several scientific theories. He did not over elaborate on math but he was very interested in a clear description of how natural phenomena worked. He did have a primitive theory similair to plate tectonics (not generally accepted until another theory came out in the 1900s). It is clear that he had great insight into the nature of air, water, light.

DaVinci was a Renassiance Man, he did a bit of every thing but I think he contributions to the sciences were very significant.

Of all those listed he is my favorite, and in my opinion almost as important as Newton. I think he did in fact have greater insight than Newton, but that Newton's idea's were more accepted in his own life time and thus have served as a foundation for further development. DaVinci is still in the running for the long term though since even in modern times many of his ideas have begun to come into use and be built upon.

They're all pretty good.

Well, my favorite would have to be Michael Faraday for many reasons, largely his rise to scientific fame and the discoveries he is credited with.

I have heard little here and there from friends conversations really, that Gravity really isn't defined?

Something about STring Theory?
Anyone know anything about this?

My Bf was looking at a documentory abou this, but I was reading a book, I zonned in and out...but what I caught was rather interesting...

On another note...
IT's hard to say who my favorite is, I think everyone contribuites their own share - weather it be big or small. If it helps us move foward then they have contributed enough.