Donald Knuth, American computing pioneer, is known for his greatly influential multi-volume work, “The Art of Computer Programming”, his novel “Surreal Numbers”, his invention of TeX and METAFONT...More Donald Knuth, American computing pioneer, is known for his greatly influential multi-volume work, “The Art of Computer Programming”, his novel “Surreal Numbers”, his invention of TeX and METAFONT electronic publishing tools and his quirky sense of humour.
Eminent British mathematician Sir Michael Atiyah broke new ground in geometry and topology with his proof of the Atiyah-Singer Index Theorem in the 1960s. This proof led to new branches of mathematics...More Eminent British mathematician Sir Michael Atiyah broke new ground in geometry and topology with his proof of the Atiyah-Singer Index Theorem in the 1960s. This proof led to new branches of mathematics being developed, including those needed to understand emerging theories like supergravity and string theory.
Recognised as the greatest living horologist and one of the greatest watchmakers of all time, George Daniels is known for his invention of the co-axial escapement. This was the first major mechanical...More Recognised as the greatest living horologist and one of the greatest watchmakers of all time, George Daniels is known for his invention of the co-axial escapement. This was the first major mechanical improvement in watch design for 500 years.
John Wheeler, one of the world's most influential physicists, is best known for coining the term 'black holes', for his seminal contributions to the theories of quantum gravity and nuclear fission, as...More John Wheeler, one of the world's most influential physicists, is best known for coining the term 'black holes', for his seminal contributions to the theories of quantum gravity and nuclear fission, as well as for his mind-stretching theories and writings on time, space and gravity.
The late Francis Crick, one of Britain's most famous scientists, won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962. He is best known for his discovery, jointly with James Watson and Maurice...More The late Francis Crick, one of Britain's most famous scientists, won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962. He is best known for his discovery, jointly with James Watson and Maurice Wilkins, of the double helix structure of DNA, though he also made important contributions in understanding the genetic code and was exploring the basis of consciousness in the years leading up to his death in 2004.
