There isn't one single "first scientist" in the way we understand the term today. Science has evolved over thousands of years, and early thinkers combined observation, experimentation, and reasoning in ways that contributed to our understanding of the world.

Here's why it's difficult to pinpoint a single first scientist:

* Early Philosophers: Thinkers like Thales of Miletus (624-546 BC) and Aristotle (384-322 BC) are often credited with early scientific thought. They made observations and tried to explain natural phenomena, but their methods differed from modern science.

* Ancient Civilizations: Many ancient civilizations, like the Egyptians and Babylonians, developed practical knowledge and systems of astronomy, mathematics, and engineering. These were important steps in the development of science.

* The Scientific Revolution: The period from the 16th to 18th centuries, often called the "Scientific Revolution," is when modern science began to take shape. Scientists like Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, and Isaac Newton developed rigorous methods of observation, experimentation, and mathematical analysis, setting the stage for the science we know today.

Instead of trying to identify one "first scientist," it's more accurate to acknowledge the long and complex evolution of scientific thought across different cultures and time periods. Each individual and civilization contributed to the development of scientific inquiry, leading to the modern scientific method we use today.