Table of contents : Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- 1. Out of the dark ages -- Renaissance men Last mystics First scientists -- 2. Founding fathers -- Science finds its feet Newtonian revolution Expanding horizons -- 3. Enlightenment -- Enlightened science I : chemistry catches up Enlightened science II : progress on all fronts -- 4. Big picture -- Darwinian revolution Atoms and molecules Let there be light Last hurrah! of classical science -- 5. Modern times -- Inner space Realm of life Outer space -- Coda : Pleasure of finding things out.