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)
The future of science belongs to those who know how to combine experiment with mathematical reasoning.
All phenomena of the universe are only the mathematical consequences of a small number of immutable laws.
The theory of electrodynamic phenomena, deduced solely from experiment, presents itself as a sure guide for the physicist.
I have a need to understand nature; I am not content merely to observe it.
In the sciences, the credit goes to the man who convinces the world, not to the man to whom the idea first occurs.
The true method of philosophical inquiry consists in ascending from phenomena to laws, and from laws to forces.
The study of the laws of the physical world is the most sublime occupation of the human mind.
To observe, to experiment, to calculate: these are the three great commands of the physical sciences.
The universe is a vast machine, regulated by mathematical laws.
I am daily more convinced that the only true philosophy is that which seeks to understand the order of the universe.
The human mind is not capable of grasping the Universe. We are like a little child entering a huge library.
The forces which produce the phenomena of electricity and magnetism are identical.
The mutual action of two electric currents is to attract each other if they are parallel and in the same direction, and to repel if they are parallel and in opposite directions.
I have not sought to construct a system; I have only wished to deduce the consequences of facts observed with care.
The sciences are a great edifice, where each generation adds a stone.
Genius is the ability to see the invisible link between things that seem separate.
The language of nature is mathematics.
Doubt is the beginning of all scientific research.
There is no royal road to science; one must traverse its rugged paths with perseverance.
The love of study is the most necessary passion for success in the sciences.
Contemporaries of André-Marie Ampère
Other Physicss born within 50 years of André-Marie Ampère (1775–1836).