"In the original discovery of a proposition of practical utility, by deduction from general principles and from experimental data, a complex algebraical investigation is often not merely useful, but indispensable; but in expounding such a proposition as a part of practical science, and applying it to practical purposes, simplicity is of the importance:—and... the more thoroughly a scientific man has studied higher mathematics, the more fully does he become aware of this truth—and... the better qualified does he become to free the exposition and application of principles from mathematical intricacy."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Mechanical engineersPeople from EdinburghInventorsPhysicists from ScotlandUniversity of Edinburgh alumni
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Imported from EN Wikiquote
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/William_John_Macquorn_Rankine
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
William John Macquorn Rankine
William John Macquorn Rankine (5 July 1820 – 24 December 1872) was a Scottish engineer and physicist.
29 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by William John Macquorn Rankine →
Related Quotes
"Discrepancy between theory and practice, which in sound physical and mechanical science is a delusion, has a real exi…"
"This law (regarding the theoretical efficiency of heat engines by Mr. Joule), and the law of the maximum efficiency o…"
"An essential distinction exists between two stages in the process of advancing our knowledge of the laws of physical …"
"A physical theory, like an abstract science, consists of definitions and axioms as first principles, and of propositi…"
"A hypothetical theory is necessary, as a preliminary step, to reduce the expression of the phenomena to simplicity an…"
"The evil influence of the supposed inconsistency of theory and practice upon speculative science, although much less …"
"[O]f that scientifically practical skill which produces the greatest effect with the least possible expenditure of ma…"
"With respect to those works which, from unscientific design, give way during or immediately after their erection, I s…"
"But a class of structures fraught with much greater evils exist in great abundance throughout the country—namely, tho…"
"The hypothesis of molecular vortices is defined to be that which assumes — that each atom of matter consists of a nuc…"