Abstract: This essay describes the work of three scientists who had made great contribution to invention of the earliest three types of transistor. It uncovers some true stories about scientific research and mirrors their attitude towards science and their extraordinary creativity. It also illustrates some regrets and insufficiencies of them, from which successors can learn some lessons.

Key words: invention of transistor, W. B. Shockley, J. Bardeen, W. H. Brattain, integrated circuit