In science, the study of materials has changed significantly over the centuries, taking humanity on a path from ancient philosophical inquiries to modern scientific advancements. This journey is marked by the contributions of individuals who have shaped our understanding of the physical world, from around the world. Knowledge and innovation has never stood still.
From Aristotle's foundational theories on matter to Henry Moseley's groundbreaking work on atomic structure, each figure has played an important role in unraveling the complexities of materials science. This visualisation shows the contributions of key historical figures, including Avicenna, Ibn Khaldun, Dmitri Mendeleev and Leonardo Da Vinci, showing how their insights laid the groundwork for contemporary materials science.
If you're interested in further reading, I personally recommend these two books as an introduction to different philosophical concepts. It's been a while since I read them, but they're still in print at the time of writing.
Jim Al-Khalili, 'Pathfinders: The Golden Age of Arabic Science'