Who was the first scientist? The Science Writers' forum on Nature Network extends the topic, which was previously debated at the Royal Institution (http://tinyurl.com/2ba6ft). At the debate, reports forum moderator Brian Clegg, “Lewis Wolpert championed Archimedes, I stood up for Roger Bacon, and Frank James spoke for James Clerk Maxwell. Archimedes won, with Bacon a close second.” According to Clegg, the reasoning was that “Archimedes was the first to use maths in science, Bacon the first to emphasize the importance of experimental verification, maths and the communication of results, and Maxwell because the word 'scientist' wasn't invented until his time.” Although the question is arbitrary, Clegg invites nominations, with a reason, for the person you think of as the first scientist.

So far, these include Galileo, Eve, 'Uncle Quentin' — a character from a children's book series — and the unnamed man, woman or ape who first worked out how to make fire. Post your suggestions at the Network forum and receive a copy of Nurture, our authors' magazine.