Some interesting stuff: analyzing stars, force fields, atomic power. And the names of those who proclaimed them to be impossible: Einstein, Comte, Lord Kelvin.
http://technology.newscientist.com/channel/tech/dn13556-10-impossibilities-conquered-by-science.html
http://technology.newscientist.com/channel/tech/dn13556-10-impossibilities-conquered-by-science.html