Contains more than 5,400 biographical profiles of scientists from classical antiquity through the twentieth century who were deceased as of the time of this publication; includes indexes arranged by nationality and field, and a comprehensive index.

Source contains more than 5,000 biographies of mathematicians and natural scientists from all countries and from all historical periods. It presents an accurate and reliable narrative of the development of science, not as a mere accumulation of technical information but as the collective accomplishment that has ordered our understanding of nature.

Also available online as part of the Gale Virtual Reference Library under the title Complete dictionary of scientific biography.

Over 1100 scientists, no longer living, from earliest times to the present. Intended for general readers, as well as for students. Alphabetical arrangement by names. Initialed entries include lengthy biographical information and references. Appendixes of anniversary dates and of scientists mentioned in book but not as full biographical entries.