Heinrich Hertz

Physics German 1857 – 1894 500 quotes

First to prove existence of electromagnetic waves

Quotes by Heinrich Hertz

Our conceptions of things are formed from a finite number of impressions, and are therefore always incomplete.

The Principles of Mechanics Presented in a New Form 1894

The aim of every physical theory is to represent phenomena as consequences of the fundamental laws of mechanics.

The Principles of Mechanics Presented in a New Form 1894

The principle of the conservation of energy has shown itself to be the most comprehensive and the most fruitful of all physical laws.

The Principles of Mechanics Presented in a New Form 1894

The history of science shows that theories are perishable. With every new truth that is revealed we get a better understanding of Nature and our conceptions and views are modified.

Attributed remark

The goal of physics is to reduce all phenomena to mechanics.

The Principles of Mechanics Presented in a New Form 1894

We cannot communicate with the outer world otherwise than through the medium of the sense organs.

The Principles of Mechanics Presented in a New Form 1894

The images we form are our own work; we are their masters.

The Principles of Mechanics Presented in a New Form 1894

The simplest image we can form of the external world is that of a space filled with moving matter.

The Principles of Mechanics Presented in a New Form 1894

The laws of nature are the rules according to which the changes of these images occur.

The Principles of Mechanics Presented in a New Form 1894

The only justification for our concepts is that they serve to represent the complex of our experiences.

The Principles of Mechanics Presented in a New Form 1894

The question of the nature of the forces which act in the interior of bodies is still unanswered.

The Principles of Mechanics Presented in a New Form 1894

The physicist's task is to complete as far as possible the connection between the phenomena of nature.

The Principles of Mechanics Presented in a New Form 1894

The ether is assumed to be the medium which transmits electromagnetic waves.

Attributed remark

I am of the opinion that the problem of the constitution of matter is the most important problem of modern physics.

Attributed remark

The theory of electricity and magnetism has been developed to a high degree of perfection.

On the Fundamental Equations of Electrodynamics for Bodies at Rest 1890

The phenomena of electromagnetic waves are in every respect analogous to those of light.

On Electromagnetic Waves in Air and Their Reflection 1888

The experiments described leave no doubt that light and electricity are phenomena of the same kind.

On Electric Radiation 1888

The propagation in time of a electromagnetic effect is not instantaneous.

On Electromagnetic Waves in Air and Their Reflection 1888

We cannot help feeling that the laws of mechanics are of a profound and fundamental significance.

The Principles of Mechanics Presented in a New Form 1894

The true value of a physical theory is to be found not so much in its explanation of known facts as in its prediction of new ones.

Attributed remark