André-Marie Ampère
One of the founders of the science of classical electromagnetism, which he referred to as 'electrodynamics'.
Most quoted
"The most general law of electrodynamic action is that two elements of current attract or repel each other in the inverse ratio of the square of their distance, and in the direct ratio of the product of their lengths and of the sines of the angles which they make with the line joining them."
— from Théorie mathématique des phénomènes électrodynamiques, uniquement déduite de l'expérience, 1826
"The force between two current elements is proportional to the product of their lengths, to the product of the currents they carry, and to the sine of the angle between their directions, and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them."
— from Mémoire sur la théorie mathématique des phénomènes électrodynamiques, uniquement déduite de l'expérience, 1826
"The facts are the only things that are certain in science, and the only way to arrive at truth is to observe them carefully and to deduce from them, by means of rigorous reasoning, the laws that govern them."
— from Essai sur la philosophie des sciences, ou Exposition analytique d'une classification naturelle de toutes les connaissances humaines
All quotes by André-Marie Ampère (369)
Science is a wonderful thing if one does not have to earn one's living at it.
Nature is an infinite sphere whose center is everywhere and circumference nowhere.
I am not a genius, I am just a curious individual.
The greatest discovery of all is to discover that we can discover.
The scientist does not study nature because it is useful; he studies it because he delights in it, and he delights in it because it is beautiful.
We must not forget that the results of our experiments are only approximations.
I am a man of science, not a man of letters.
Let us consider the case where two electric currents act upon each other.
The force between two current-carrying wires is proportional to the product of the currents and inversely proportional to the distance between them.
I have given the name 'electrodynamics' to the science which treats of the mutual action of electric currents.
The theory of electrodynamics is founded on a single principle, that of the mutual action of two elements of current.
All magnetic phenomena are due to electric currents.
Mathematics is the language in which God has written the universe.
The experimental method is the only true method of discovery in physics.
I have always sought to unite theory and experiment.
The progress of science depends on the free exchange of ideas.
We must be careful not to confuse what we know with what we merely believe.
The most important quality for a scientist is patience.
I have never been afraid to admit when I was wrong.
The pursuit of knowledge is a noble endeavor.
Contemporaries of André-Marie Ampère
Other Physicss born within 50 years of André-Marie Ampère (1775–1836).