Physicists, chemists, biologists, mathematicians, and engineers advanced our knowledge of the 'physical' world. The listing of some of the greatest discoveries is restricted to a few selected areas of natural science, proceeding from astronomy (one the oldest fields of study) to molecular biology (one of the latest interdisciplinary branches) [1].
Under each of the selected areas of research, some of the most influential scientists are listed in chronological order of their year of birth, which is not necessarily the sequence of discoveries. Two areas are of particular interest: electromagnetism, which gave birth to the digital age; and particle physics, which seeks final answers to physical reality.
A workbook provides links related to selected discoveries and Nobel prizes. See also lists of all Nobel prizes in Physics, Chemistry, and Physiology or Medicine.