Roger Bacon

Roger Bacon (c. 1214–1294),was an English philosopher and scientist who was interested in alchemy, the biological and physical sciences, and magic. Many discoveries have been credited to him, including the magnifying lens. Bacon studied theology at Oxford and Paris, entered the Franciscan order, settled at Oxford and devoted special attention to chemistry, alchemy and optics. He was known as Doctor Mirabilis (Wonderful Teacher) and many discoveries have been credited to him, including the magnifying lens. Despite his many interests he saw theology as the supreme area of knowledge.
Bacon was an early advocate of experimental science, he believed that science and mathematics could serve the Christian faith. The friar suggested taking crusades of learning to the Islamic lands to win the Muslims over to Christianity by impressing them with European knowledge. Bacon was theologically conservative but also outspoken and he frequently got into trouble for saying what he thought.
In 1268, Bacon sent his Opus Majus/Great Work, a compendium of all branches of knowledge to the pope. However, he was attacked by the church who accused him of dealing in black magic and alchemy and in 1277 Bacon was excommunicated and confined to a monastery for "certain novelties"(heresy) and not released until 1292.