Newton: Scientist, Alchemist, Genius
Sir Isaac Newton was an English scientist who lived from 1643 to 1727. He is arguably the most influential scientist ever, and is among the top rank of scientists regardless. Newton made discoveries in many important areas, including mathematics, the theory of gravity and optics (imaging and telescopes).
Science wasn't the only thing on Newton's agenda, though. He was also the master of the British Mint for a span of years, where he made currency and prosecuted counterfeiters. Newton also had an intense interest in Theology and Alchemy, although he was more likely to use the latter to try and prove the existence of God or to seek immortality than he was to turn lead into gold. In fact, despite his less scientific interests being not widely known today, Newton actually published more on them during his life time than he did on Physics and Mathematics.
Perhaps Newton's most far-reaching creation was also his most contentious. What he called “The Calculus” had also been invented simultaneously by a German philosopher, Gottfried Liebniz. The two were embroiled in an embittered controversy throughout much of their later life over whether Liebniz had come up with the idea, as he claimed, or just the notation system for an idea that was Newton's.
Although you have probably heard the tale of the apple hitting Newton on the head, it is largely apocryphal. Although the scientist himself told how he'd come up with the idea of gravity while watching apples fall, it is doubtful that he was ever physically struck by the fruit.