This collection of stories, highlighting the lives of important but sometimes lesser known personalities in the history of science are based on conversations and correspondence of the author with the renowned historian David Pingree. Often the author supplements the information with extensive quotes and additional information. His observations shed light on the academic culture and tradition of curiosity, the driving force of research and the congenial atmosphere in academic research that sometimes seems like a thing of the past. The personal touch and wealth of information stimulates readers to explore the unusual with the guidance of authority-- Provided by publisher.