"Biographies of prominent scientists. First series" is a collection of biographies of prominent scientists, written by François Arago. The author describes in detail the life and contribution to the development of science of such outstanding persons as Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton, Leonardo da Vinci and many others. The book reveals not only the scientific merits of these great thinkers, but also various aspects of their personal lives and interaction with the world around them. Readers will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of scientific achievements and the enormous influence of these outstanding intellectuals on the development of world science and culture.