...Nature builds up her refined and invisible architecture, with a delicacy eluding our conception, yet with a symmetry and beauty which we are never weary of admiring.
John HerschelRead
Almost all the greatest discoveries in astronomy have resulted from what we have elsewhere termed Residual Phenomena, of a qualitative or numerical kind, of such portions of the numerical or quantitative results of observation as remain outstanding and unaccounted for, after subducting and allowing for all that would result from the strict application of known principles.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Significant discoveries in astronomy often arise from unexplained observations and data that defy current understanding.
John Herschel emphasizes that many groundbreaking discoveries in astronomy come from phenomena that don't fit established theories or principles. These 'residual phenomena' challenge scientists to reconsider and expand their understanding of the universe, highlighting the importance of curiosity and openness to new ideas in the scientific process.
Themes
DiscoveriesAstronomyObservationsScienceCuriosity
In practice
Example use cases
In a classroom discussion on scientific inquiry, this quote can illustrate the role of unexplained phenomena in advancement.
More from John Herschel
All quotes →Every student who enters upon a scientific pursuit, especially if at a somewhat advanced period of life, will find not only that he has much to learn, but much also to unlearn.
John HerschelRead
To the natural philosopher, there is no natural object unimportant or trifling. From the least of Nature's works he may learn the greatest lessons.
John HerschelRead
Similar quotes
Name the greatest of all inventors. Accident.
Mark TwainRead
I think the question is, are there women and have there been women who want to do science and could be doing great science, but they never really got the opportunity?
Vera RubinRead
We are more dependent on science and engineering than at any other time in history. However, there is plenty of evidence that far too many people are scientifically illiterate, often having been put off science at school.
Robert WinstonRead
The day that you stop looking - because you're content God did it - I don't need you in the lab. You're useless on the frontier of understanding the nature of the world.
Neil Degrasse TysonRead
Philosophy of science is about as useful to scientists as ornithology is to birds.
Richard P. FeynmanRead
If anybody says he can think about quantum physics without getting giddy, that only shows he has not understood the first thing about them.
Niels BohrRead