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 universe is a testament to the power of reason.
The true scientist is a patient and persistent investigator.
The electric current is a form of energy.
The most important thing in science is to ask the right questions.
My dear father, I am writing to you from Lyon, where I have just arrived. I am well, and I hope you are too. I embrace you with all my heart.
I am working hard, but I am happy. I have found a new way to understand the world, and I am eager to share it with you.
I have discovered a new law of nature, and I am sure it will revolutionize physics. I am so excited!
I am so grateful for your friendship and support. You are a true friend, and I cherish our time together.
I am so in love with you. You are the most beautiful and intelligent woman I have ever met. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.
My dear son, I am so proud of you. You are a brilliant young man, and I know you will achieve great things.
I am so tired of all this political turmoil. I just want to be left alone to do my work.
I believe that all phenomena in nature can be explained by a few simple laws. It is our job to discover them.
The most important thing in life is to be happy. And to be happy, you must follow your passions.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to teach. It is a great privilege to share my knowledge with others.
I have always been fascinated by electricity and magnetism. I believe there is a deep connection between them.
My dear wife, I miss you so much. I wish you were here with me. I love you more than words can say.
I am convinced that the universe is governed by mathematical laws. It is our task to discover them.
I have always been a solitary person, but I have found great joy in my work and in my family.
The pursuit of knowledge is the noblest of all endeavors.
I am so fortunate to have such wonderful friends and colleagues. They inspire me to be better.
Contemporaries of André-Marie Ampère
Other Physicss born within 50 years of André-Marie Ampère (1775–1836).