The Hidden Heroes of Science

Published in association with The Royal Institution, here is the perfect book for the budding scientist and curious youngster.  One of the twenty scientists included is Michael Faraday (1791-1867), who worked at The Royal Institution almost all his life and indeed started the famous and inspiring Christmas Lectures, still running today.

It’s an eye-catching publication, worldwide in scope and arranged in chronological order of the mainly little-known scientists. Starting with Imohotep (2667 BCE – 2648 BCE), the talented Egyptian architect who built the first pyramid, other notable scientific heroes covered include Maria Merian (1647-1717) a skilled Dutch painter who recorded her observations of the natural world, especially in Suriname where she resided for two years. Gregor Mendel (1822-1884) spent over eight years in a monastery studying pea plants and sent his amazing findings to Charles Darwin. We also learn that the word ‘scientist’ was only invented in 1834.

As a former librarian I was fascinated by the story of Hypatia (335-415), one of the last Greek philosophers whose father was a great mathematician. She studied in the Great Library of Alexandria and eventually succeeded her father as head of the university. Interestingly, her greatest legacy was her popular public lectures, and she saw the value of education.

Fun facts are peppered throughout this publication, such as the information that Abba ibn Firnas (809-887) invented reading glasses. At the end of the hardback the 21^st scientist is ‘You! Future scientist.’ The reader is encouraged to join the people in this book and be inspired to discover more about the world around us. Skills needed to become a scientist are summarized and the young person thereby galvanized into action.

This colourful volume is a treasure trove for those who enjoy science, biography, history and indeed art, for the illustrations are exceptional and work hand in hand with the text to convey the lives of the scientists. Two hundred years since its inception the Royal Institution is continuing to inspire young people to get involved in all things scientific.