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)
Every great advance in science has issued from a new audacity of imagination.
The fundamental laws of electrodynamics are now established on an unshakable foundation.
The attraction and repulsion of currents obey laws as precise as those of gravity.
I have always preferred the search for truth to the possession of it.
The human spirit feels itself elevated when it contemplates the harmony of the universe.
In the physical sciences, we are servants of the fact.
Theories may change, but well-observed facts remain.
The aim of all my work has been to reduce electromagnetic phenomena to the laws of mechanics.
To know how to doubt is a great part of wisdom.
Contemporaries of André-Marie Ampère
Other Physicss born within 50 years of André-Marie Ampère (1775–1836).